Every NBA season brings a new wave of breakout stars, whether it's young talents taking the next step in their development or established players making the most of increased opportunities and playing time.

With new rosters, changing roles and plenty to prove, the 2026-27 NBA season will be no different.

Here are five players who could - and should - take that leap this season.

Walker Kessler

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz this past offseason through a sign-and-trade, with Kessler receiving a 4-year, $130 million USD contract.

The most obvious reason for his potential breakout is the Luka Doncic effect. Doncic is one of the league's best passers and makes it easy for every big man he plays with to get high-percentage looks under the rim.

Former Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has a career field goal percentage of 66.5%, however in his first full season with Doncic in LA, he averaged a career-high 76%, with most of his shots coming as alley-oop dunks or easy looks under the rim created by the Slovenian.

Kessler is already an elite defender, averaging 2.4 blocks per game over his first four seasons; he can help anchor a Lakers defence that has struggled defensively in recent memory. Lakers coach JJ Redick has recently talked about using Kessler like the San Antonio Spurs used last season's Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama.

“I think it changes how we scheme overall," said Redick.

“Not to get into details, but you guys obviously watched the playoffs. You probably have a basic idea of how San Antonio used Wemby and kept him low and kept him by the basket.”

Kessler managed to play just five games last year after suffering a torn labrum in his left shoulder, which required season-ending surgery. However, in those five games, Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks.

He will now enter the season fully healthy and ready to take on a bigger role and help the Lakers advance past the first round.