SALT LAKE CITY — For Walker Kessler, his first sport back at Delta Center was an emotional one.

And he admitted he let these same feelings get the greatest of him main into the Lakers’ comeback victory over the Jazz on Sunday.

Walker Kessler had a subpar efficiency in his first sport against his former crew, the Jazz. NBAE via Getty Images

Kessler was coming off of trying like one of the greatest large males in the league after the first two video games of the season, getting into the matchup against the Jazz with averages of 24 factors (84% capturing), 8.5 rebounds and 4 blocked pictures.

But the 7-foot-2 middle had a dud in his first sport against his former crew, ending with more fouls (4) than factors (two) in 28 minutes. 

Walker Kessler wasn’t as sharp as a rim protector on Sunday. AP Photo/Bethany Baker

He grabbed seven rebounds, but shot just 1-of-2 from the discipline and didn’t present his standard rim safety, ending with just one blocked shot. 

“Definitely let my emotions get the best of me,” Kessler said. “But you gotta learn those moments and move on.” 

Luckily for the large man, his teammates picked up the slack, with Luka Doncic main the Lakers with 52 factors, 10 assists and 8 rebounds en route to a victory. 

Austin Reaves chipped in an environment friendly 29 factors on 7-of-12 capturing (11-of-13 on free throws), with the Lakers having 5 gamers rating in double figures.

“I’m just glad we got the win,” Kessler said. “I mean, I’ve got a lot of thanks to give to my teammates, I mean, all of them. They all played their roles and did a great job, even though it wasn’t my best night. So I really, really appreciated them.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. (20) of the Utah Jazz scored against Walker Kessler (14) of the Los Angeles Lakers off the dribble a number of instances on Sunday. NBAE via Getty Images

The No. 22 choose in the 2022 NBA draft spent the first 4 seasons of his NBA profession with the Jazz.

He was an integral half of the crew’s rebuild after the franchise traded All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell to the Cavaliers during the 2022 offseason before the Lakers acquired him via sign-and-trade from the Jazz in July.

The transaction included a four-year, $130 million contract for Kessler, with the Lakers sending the Jazz unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.

The Lakers are assured Walker Kessler will bounce back. NBAE via Getty Images

The former Auburn Tiger could really feel the feelings take over as he was arriving to the area he used to call residence. 

“Obviously Utah was the first four years of my career,” Kessler said. “It’s a particular place for me. Kind of jumpstarted my profession, a lot of good reminiscences. Just letting my feelings get the greatest of me and type of hype myself up more than I normally do and type of got too amped.

“And then just couldn’t find the ball, couldn’t find the rhythm, just kind of was off a couple fouls that were tough, a couple blocks I usually [make] – it’s one of those nights. But fortunately basketball is not a one-man sport. I’ve got really good teammates and I’m very thankful.”

Despite Kessler’s subpar efficiency, the Lakers moved to 3-0 on the season after coming back from down 18 factors.

“He didn’t have the best game,” Reaves said. “But for him to not have a good game and us still get a win shows the versatility of our team.”

Kessler was glad to get his first sport back in Utah out of the method this early in the season.

“I knew I’d have some emotions naturally just because it’s my first place I ever played,” he said. “But yeah, definitely good to get out of the way and be excited for next time we play them.”