Walker Kessler Getting Closer to Playing... How Do the Lakers Handle the Minutes Where He Sits?

The Lakers have had some highlights this preseason, but one massive absence—literally and figuratively—has undercut some of the optimism. 

Walker Kessler jammed his left pinkie on the backboard early in the preseason, and has been limited since. He's missed all three of the team's preseason games. But this weekend, he was back on the floor, playing without restrictions (other than some tape on his fingers). Those bullish on Kessler's impact this season (including the hosts of this podcast) and his capacity to elevate the Lakers defense (especially via rebounding and rim protection) are excited to see what comes next. 

It also raises a significant question, one that has been somewhat answered in the preseason, with mixed results. What do the Lakers do when Kessler isn't on the floor? Whether the 15-18 minutes a night he's not playing while healthy, or the 48 minutes that open up in those games he's not available for? (Hopefully not too many of those.) 

We've seen in the preseason that the Lakers will struggle with rebounding and rim protection. Is there anything they can do to address those shortcomings? 

Plus, Collin Sexton isn't playing yet. The Lakers aren't giving up much info as to why. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Kessler to return soon? 

SEGMENT 2: What to do without Kessler

SEGMENT 3: No info on Sexton is... not exactly surprising. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

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