Rudy Gobert and Walker Kessler will always be connected. Just weeks after being drafted, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Kessler as part of a large package to land Gobert. Furthermore, both players have similar playstyles as rim protectors who are primarily known for their drop coverage abilities.
After Kessler joined the Los Angeles Lakers via sign-and-trade this offseason, the Kessler-Gobert connection grew. Kessler solves a clear need for the Lakers, who have lacked high-end rim protection since trading Anthony Davis.
Last year, the Lakers ranked 18th in defensive rating per Cleaning the Glass. They hope Kessler can anchor their defense, as Gobert has done for Minnesota's defense over the past four seasons. Some people, including The Athletic's Tony Jones, have openly mentioned this comparison.
Both the Lakers and Wolves are fringe title threats. A lot of the Lakers' ceiling rides on Kessler proving to be a game-changing defender. This is especially true because they paid a pretty penny for him, trading two unprotected picks and two pick swaps while signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract.
Gobert is an interesting comparison for Kessler, and I won't deny there are similarities. However, the key difference is that Kessler hasn't proven that he can be a top-tier defender like Gobert. As such, the Lakers are hoping he can become what Gobert already is. And since both teams are trying to level up as contenders, the Timberwolves' certainty at the five gives them a clear advantage.
Kessler needs to prove that he's a top-tier defender like Gobert is
Gobert is, at bare minimum, one of the five best defenders in the league -- I'd argue he's closer to three. In terms of pure rim protectors, he's the best outside of Victor Wembanyama, if you ask me. The point being, it's a high bar for Kessler to catch up to Gobert's standards.
Frankly, though, the Lakers need him to, or at least be closer to his tier, ranking in the top 10 or so for rim protectors. The Lakers' defense outside of Kessler simply isn't very good. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are a below-average defensive backcourt. Quentin Grimes is likely their defensive stopper, but he's unproven on that end of the floor. Jarred Vanderbilt and Matisse Thybulle are two high-end defenders, yet ones with offensive limitations that will keep them off the court for big minutes.
Without a doubt, Kessler will be asked to cover a lot of ground for the Lakers.
Now, there is some evidence to suggest that Kessler is an elite rim protector. During his last fully healthy season in 2024-25, Kessler ranked in the 99th percentile for rim protection and the 97th percentile for rim deterrence per Basketball Index. For his career, Kessler has averaged 2.4 blocks.
Yet, there's no evidence that Kessler can overcome a bad defense around him. In his three healthy seasons, the Jazz ranked 24th, 30th, and 29th in defensive rating. Furthermore, Utah's defense has never been more than 4.6 points per 100 possessions better with Kessler on the court.
Gobert, on the other hand, is truly a walking top-10 defense and routinely posts some of the best on/off splits in the league. Last year, for instance, the Timberwolves were a whopping 11.8 points per 100 possessions better with Gobert on the court.
That's the next step for Kessler to prove himself. While the Lakers expressed the ultimate confidence in Kessler this offseason, there's still some clear uncertainty. Thankfully, the Timberwolves can rest assured that they have what the Lakers want.
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