Kevon Looney Joins Lakers as Veteran Backup Center
His one-year veteran deal gives the Lakers a rebounder, pick-and-roll screener, veteran with championship experience to steady a retooled frontcourt.
Overview
- Kevon Looney signed with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, which multiple outlets reported on Sunday, and he is expected to serve as the primary backup center behind new starter Walker Kessler.
- Looney told ESPN LA that the Lakers were his "top destination" in free agency and that he is excited to play with and learn from Luka Dončić after repeatedly defending against him.
- A three-time NBA champion with Golden State, Looney brings playoff experience and the kind of physical rebounding, screen-setting and on-ball defense the Lakers say they need.
- Reports note Looney has strong local ties—he attended UCLA and said he is cousins with former Laker Nick Young—which the coverage says helps his fit in Los Angeles.
- The signing fills a short-term need but leaves depth and recent availability as watch points for training camp, so the Lakers are likely to monitor Looney’s health and the frontcourt mix heading into the season.