By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following the conclusion of the NBA Preseason 2026 on Friday, Walker Kessler shared his thoughts on sharing the court with Luka Doncic while going head-to-head against Nikola Jokic.
A Los Angeles Lakers loss to the Denver Nuggets marked his first outing alongside the Slovenian superstar. The 25-year-old center logged six points and six rebounds in nearly 31 minutes.
Kessler was brought in via a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz in early July. Standing 7’2″, he is projected as the starting center under head coach JJ Redick. Facing the Serbian superstar was a test, prompting him to evaluate two of the game’s top talents.
“There’s a reason why he is who he is. He’s arguably the best big in the league and best player in the league. I would argue Luka is better for obvious reasons, but he’s an exceptional player,” he mentioned during his postgame press conference.
Nevertheless, their rivalry remains friendly, as Doncic and Jokic shared a warm embrace after the final buzzer.
🃏x 🪄
Nikola Jokić & Luka Dončić share a fun moment together after tonight’s preseason finale 😂 https://t.co/6ka5ycFO3V
— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2026
“He’s a competitor,” Kessler previously described his teammate. “He wants to win more than anything. He also talks a lot of trash, but it just goes to show how much he cares and how much he wants to win.”
A jammed pinkie finger had sidelined him for the first three exhibitions, but he is now fully cleared for the 2026–27 Regular Season. He previously missed a large chunk of his 2025–26 journey with the Jazz due to shoulder surgery.
Both squads now turn their attention to the 2026–27 Regular Season. The Lakers open their campaign at crypto.com Arena this Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, while the Nuggets travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
Make