# Walker Kessler Returns to Utah Jazz

> Walker Kessler prepares to compete against former Utah Jazz teammates in his first game back.
- Title: Walker Kessler Returns to Utah Jazz · Utah Jazz On SI
- Summary: Walker Kessler prepares to compete against former Utah Jazz teammates in his first game back. Walker Kessler says he's excited to compete against Utah Jazz…
- Keywords: walker kessler, utah jazz, los angeles lakers, will hardy, nba, delta center, lakers purple, lakers gold, jazz home game, nba draft, sports, Walker
- Source: Utah Jazz On SI — https://si.com/nba/jazz/onsi/walker-kessler-praises-jazz-ahead-of-highly-anticipated-utah-return
- Published: 2026-10-24T20:27:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: walker kessler, utah jazz, los angeles lakers, will hardy, nba, delta center, lakers purple, lakers gold, jazz home game, nba draft, sports
## Walker Kessler's return
Walker Kessler will play his first game for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Utah Jazz this weekend.
## Kessler's Utah roots
Kessler spent the first four years of his NBA career with the Utah Jazz before joining the Lakers.
## Kessler's recent performance
Kessler averages 24.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 4.0 blocks in two games this season.
## Kessler's comments
Kessler said he's excited to compete against Utah Jazz players and coach Will Hardy.

> I'm so excited to compete against those guys, Coach [Will] Hardy does a great job with that franchise, and all my past teammates, they're great players. Really talented, really competitive.
## Kessler's game plan
Kessler aims to have a statement performance against his former team to lift the Lakers to their third straight win.
## Jazz game impact
A win for the Jazz would give them back-to-back victories in their upcoming games.
## Kessler's role
Kessler serves as a high-end interior defender and frontcourt complement to Luka Doncic for the Lakers.
## Kessler's return context
Kessler's return follows a sign-and-trade deal with the Jazz earlier this offseason.
## Kessler's future game
Kessler will face the Utah Jazz in a game that could be a momentum builder for the Jazz.
## Key takeaway

Walker Kessler says he's excited to compete against Utah Jazz after returning to his old franchise.