The Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran center Kevon Looney to a one-year, $3.9 million deal, filling their backup center role behind starter Walker Kessler. Looney, a three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, brings experience, defense, and rebounding to the Lakers' frontcourt.
Looney, 30, played just 21 games last season with the New Orleans Pelicans but has been a key contributor in the playoffs, particularly during Golden State's 2022 championship run. He averaged 5.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in the 2022 postseason while shooting 65.9% from the field.
The Lakers acquired Kessler in a sign-and-trade from the Utah Jazz, signing him to a four-year, $130 million deal. They also added Sandro Mamukelashvili on a four-year, $52 million contract. The team traded Deandre Ayton and lost Jaxson Hayes in free agency but appears to have strengthened their frontcourt depth.
Looney's role will be to provide defense, rebounding, and screening for the Lakers' star players. The team now has a 14-man roster and may still pursue additional players, including Jonathan Kuminga, a 23-year-old wing who averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds last season.