Even if you were underwhelmed by the Los Angeles Lakers' signing of Kevon Looney this summer, you can't deny that Looney's a winner. Not only do Looney's three championship rings look good on his career résumé, but they also make the veteran center a reliable evaluator of a true title contender.
In other words, Looney knows what an NBA champion looks like. That's what made his recent comments on the Lakers notable.
Kevon Looney just suggested that the Lakers can contend
Appearing as a guest on ESPN LA’s Mason & Ireland show, Looney shared his opinion of his new team's chances.
“When you got high-end talent like Luka and AR, you always have a shot,” Looney said. “We have great role players and guys that’s been around, got a chip on their shoulder, and want to prove themselves. I think we got a shot.”
Looney's comments came after he spent time in Slovenia with his new teammates (a trip that Doncic organized and funded). This was the new-look Lakers' first chance to bond and start establishing some basketball chemistry heading into 2026-27 (the trip featured some scrimmaging).
To reach contender status, the Lakers will need their non-Doncic and non-Reaves players to star in their roles. That includes Looney, who will be burdened with even more responsibilities if Walker Kessler isn't as advertised (or gets injured).
But Looney is used to starring in his role. He thrived as a screen-setter and workhorse on the Splash Brothers-led Golden State Warriors. Much like Looney once freed up Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for open looks, he'll be tasked with making life easier for Doncic and Reaves on the Lakers.
Kevon Looney's veteran experience will add value to the Lakers' locker room
Looney still has something to prove, too, despite the rings in his trophy case. He's coming off an injury-shortened season and surely wants to show that he can still contribute to an NBA team in a meaningful way. There are other guys on this Lakers squad with a possible chip on their shoulder, as Looney alluded to. Quentin Grimes is one of them, seeing as plenty of people are already doubting that Grimes can be the consistent, two-way wing that the Lakers need him to be.
Was Looney being overly optimistic with his remarks about the Lakers? There's probably some of that going on. At the same time, he didn't say anything outlandish. If the Lakers can maximize their talent and gel as a group, there's no reason they can't make some noise in the West. At this point, Looney knows championship potential when he sees it.
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