Walker Kessler does something few Lakers have done in his debut

Auburn BasketballLos Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)AP Photo/Mark J. TerrillBy Andrew Hammond | ahammond@al.comIf find yourself on a stat sheet that shows you’ve done something comparable to Shaquille O’Neal, it was probably a night worth to remember. That’s where Walker Kessler found himself on opening night for the Los Angeles Lakers as they took on the Golden State Warriors. In the former Auburn forward’s debut with the iconic franchise, he did something not seen since the ‘Big Aristotle’. Kessler was a perfect 12 for 12 from the field with 10 dunks in the Lakers 127-105 win over the Warriors on Wednesday. Kessler’s 10 dunks were the most by a Laker since Shaq did so in 2003. “The way you played tonight, you played like the best big man in the league,” O’Neal told Kessler on Inside the NBA following the game. “I’m happy for you, I’m proud of you. Welcome to the big man alliance. I love you, brother. And I want you guys to love the name Snowtime.”Kessler also earned a new nickname from Shaq. “Your new nickname is Milk Chamberlain,” O’Neal said told Kessler. “I love you, Milk.”Not only did Kessler earn praise from one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but he also earned a standing ovation from a franchise who has seen its share of legends. When Kessler finished his night, he scored 12 points, grabbed nine boards and had an assist. The Lakers return to action when they face the Los Angeles Clippers. A journalist of 19 years, Andrew Hammond's career has taken him from Wichita, KS to Birmingham, AL. In that time, he's excelled in producing quality content in radio, television and newspapers in newsrooms...