The Los Angeles Lakers have signed a backup center. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, LA has inked 30-year-old big man Kevon Looney to a one-year, $3.9 million contract.
Lakers fans have seen their emotions rise and fall in recent days as the squad addresses the center position. There was plenty of excitement about the Walker Kessler signing, as well as the decision to move on from Deandre Ayton.
But losing backup center Jaxson Hayes to the Utah Jazz, and replacing Hayes with a lesser player in Looney, miffed plenty of Lake Show supporters.
Lakers added championship experience by signing Kevon Looney
While Looney has his flaws as a player and isn't the kind of bouncy rim-runner that pairs well with Doncic, Looney also has three championship rings from his time with the Golden State Warriors. He's durable for the most part and understands what winning basketball looks like. These are important qualities and shouldn't go unnoticed by Lakers fans.
Looney is a competent screen-setter -- a skill he honed while playing with Stephen Curry -- and that should allow him to operate efficiently in screen-and-roll actions with Doncic.
At the same time, the Lakers are hoping that Luka can elevate Looney and bring out the best in the veteran big man. Looney's 2025-26 season with the New Orleans Pelicans wasn't a productive one, as he missed most of the campaign while dealing with injuries. Now 30 years old, Looney isn't over the hill, but he's definitely in the second half of his career. Never a magnificent athlete, Looney's agility will only decline from here on out. He'll need a passer and offensive craftsman as precise as Luka to put the ball exactly where he needs it, and the Lakers are confident that Doncic can do just that.
Luka Doncic makes everyone better on offense, and that can include Kevon Looney
Doncic is an offensive machine. The Lakers have the potential to be a top-5 offense in the entire NBA next season, mostly due to Luka's talents. Looney's main role with this team will be to rebound and operate as a big body on defense who can clog the middle of the court and protect the rim with his positioning.
This Looney signing wasn't a flashy one, and many fans are down on it for understandable reasons, but don't be surprised if Doncic has Looney looking like a revitalized player next season.
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