Walker Kessler gave Los Angeles Lakers fans an early reason to believe their center problem could finally be solved.

After showing promise during preseason, the big man delivered a historic performance against the Golden State Warriors. His perfect shooting, powerful dunks, and instant connection with Luka Dončić left basketball fans excited.

Fans React As Walker Kessler Joins Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain With Historic Debut Against Warriors

The Lakers acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade in July, committing four years and $130 million to bring in the center Dončić had reportedly pushed for.

The 25-year-old wasted no time making an impact in Wednesday’s 127-105 win over Golden State. He finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 30 minutes, making all 12 of his field-goal attempts.

Kessler also threw down 10 dunks, giving the Lakers a dominant presence around the basket. The numbers put him alongside two legendary Lakers centers. His 10 dunks were the most by a Lakers player in a game since Shaquille O’Neal recorded 12 in March 2003.

Kessler also became the first Laker since Wilt Chamberlain in 1969 to make at least 12 field goals in a game without missing. Chamberlain went 14-for-14 in that performance.

Kessler’s connection with Dončić was particularly encouraging. The Slovenian star finished with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, repeatedly finding the center near the rim.

One basketball account warned, “The worst thing the league could’ve done was give Luka Dončić a center like Walker Kessler.”

A Lakers fan account went even further, declaring, “TOP 7 CENTER IN THE NBA.”

Another basketball account wrote, “Walker Kessler looks like the perfect center for the for the Lakers: 24 points, 8 rebounds and a perfect 12-for-12 shooting. Wow.”

Other fans were just as impressed. One simply wrote, “UNREAL DEBUT,” while another suggested, “There’s a chance Walker Kessler sets the all-time record for FG% this season.”

The performance came after Kessler’s preseason debut had already offered Lakers fans a glimpse of what he could bring. He recorded 11 points and 9 rebounds in 16 minutes against the Warriors earlier this month, despite Los Angeles losing 101-89.

Of course, one game does not establish Kessler’s standing among the league’s best centers, and repeating a perfect shooting night is unlikely. But the early signs are promising.

If the Kessler-Dončić partnership continues to develop, the 7-foot-2 center could become one of the most important pieces of the Lakers’ season.