Lakers Notes: Kessler, Sexton, Smart, Mamukelashvili

Defense has been an issue in recent seasons for the Lakers , who are counting on Walker Kessler to transform them on that end of the court, writes Law Murray of The Athletic . L.A. made a heavy investment in the 7’2″ center this summer, sending a package of future first-round picks to Utah in a sign-and-trade deal and giving him a four-year contract worth nearly $130MM. He was Luka Doncic ’s preferred choice as the team went shopping for a big man.