EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Walker Kessler, the Los Angeles Lakers' biggest offseason acquisition both literally and figuratively, is closing in on making his preseason debut with his new franchise.
Kessler was a full participant in practice Sunday for the first time since the first two days of training camp, when he jammed his left pinkie finger on the backboard while attempting to block a shot.
The 7-foot-2, 245-pound center said he has been limited by the pinkie for "precautionary" reasons. L.A. acquired Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz in July by sending out two future unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps on top of signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract
"It feels good," Kessler said after showing reporters the black tape wrapped around his injured digit. "Fully went today in practice, felt great."