Lakers' Kessler Clicks in the Pick-and-Roll: Week 1 Survivor Pick
Oct 15, 2026
Kessler is already paying off for the Lakers
Walker Kessler flashed real offensive value in the pick-and-roll Tuesday night, and the early returns were sizable. That's the kind of two-way lift that can firm up a rotation fast — and it's worth tracking as the Lakers open their season.
What it means for your Week 1 survivor pick
Los Angeles is the clear pick on the board to start the year. The Lakers open Week 1 at home against Golden State on Oct. 22 as a 5.5-point favorite — the only Lakers game in our data with a listed line, and a home spread that leans their way. From there they host the Clippers on Oct. 24 and visit Utah on Oct. 25, both without posted spreads yet.
If Kessler's pick-and-roll production holds, it only strengthens the case for riding L.A. early — but the smart survivor move is to use a team like the Lakers once and once only. With three games on the slate, decide which night gives you the best edge, then save the other matchups for a week you need them. Weigh the home opener against GS versus the later games before you lock anything in, and check the latest NBA knockout pool picks for how the lines move.
New to this format? Brush up on how survivor pools work or start a free survivor pool before tip-off.