Lakers center Kessler nears preseason debut after full practice

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Walker Kessler , the Los Angeles Lakers ' biggest offseason acquisition both literally and figuratively, is closing in on making his preseason debut with his new franchise. Kessler was a full participant in practice Sunday for the first time since the first two days of training camp, when he jammed his left pinkie finger on the backboard while attempting to block a shot. The 7-foot-2, 245-pound center said he has been limited by the pinkie for "precautionary" reasons. L.A.