Jazz beat reporter's glowing assessment of new Lakers C Walker Kessler

Quite a few people feel that the Los Angeles Lakers gave up too much to acquire center Walker Kessler. These people think that what the Lakers gave up to get Kessler — first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033 and two first-round pick swaps — and the four-year, $130 million contract the Lakers will be giving the defensive standout are excessive.

However, some may be underselling the impact that Kessler will have on the Lakers. He's not only an excellent shot-blocker and rim protector, but he can make it easier for L.A.'s other players to play effective defense.

Tony Jones, who covers the Utah Jazz and the Philadelphia 76ers for The Athletic, got to take a close look at Kessler during the big man's four years with the Jazz. While on ESPN 710 L.A. radio, Jones gave a glowing assessment of the impact Kessler will have on Los Angeles.

When asked if Kessler can elevate a Lakers team that lacks plus defenders on the perimeter, Jones didn't hesitate to sing Kessler's praises.

"I think he can be another Rudy Gobert," Jones said, referring to the Minnesota Timberwolves center who has won four Defensive Player of the Year awards. "He's good enough defensively that he can be a walking top-10 defense.

"... In terms of Walker's defense, I absolutely think that he's a guy that can one day win a Defensive Player of the Year award."

Kessler has career averages of 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes a game. One can cite basic stats and more advanced stats, but the reality is that all those numbers likely won't tell the full story of his defensive impact.

Having an outstanding shot blocker and rim protector such as Kessler, as many true basketball fans know, allows a team's perimeter defenders to play tighter defense and take reasonable risks, such as getting in the passing lanes, gambling by making plays on the ball and trapping. Teams can also assemble an entire defensive philosophy and game plan around someone such as Kessler, since he serves as such a huge defensive backbone.

This past season, the Lakers were 20th in defensive rating. They may or may not get into the top 10 this coming season, but that overall ranking should improve in at least a somewhat meaningful way thanks to Kessler.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Jazz beat reporter's glowing assessment of new Lakers C Walker Kessler