Lakers Seal Kevon Looney Deal to Secure Elite Defender

Free Agency Frenzy: Looney’s Journey

The Los Angeles Lakers have finalized the signing of Kevon Looney, outbidding the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks for the $50 million‑contract of the elite rebounder and three‑time NBA champion.

Lakers officials posted a welcome message for Looney on X/Twitter on Monday, six days after ESPN’s Shams Charania first broke the news of the deal.

Lakers Secure the Piece

Before joining the Lakers, Looney was heavily courted by both New York and Golden State. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported on June 28 that the Warriors were eyeing him as a backup if Mitchell Robinson left the franchise—a move that ultimately sent Robinson to the Boston Celtics.

Shortly afterward, NBA insider Scoop B. Robinson noted that a reunion with Golden State remained on the table, pending LeBron James’ final decision. The Warriors eventually pivoted, signing Charles Bassey to support Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.

New York, facing financial constraints as the second apron looms, instead inked Andre Drummond to back up Karl‑Anthony Towns.

What Looney Brings to LA

Looney is a proven glue guy who consistently logs 10+ rebounds per 40 minutes in a winning environment. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, a former first‑round pick, offers reliable interior presence without the high‑flying pick‑and‑roll scoring that some big men possess.

His tenure with Golden State included three championship rings, and he also spent time with the New Orleans Pelicans before returning to the free‑agent market.

How Knicks and Warriors Missed Out

The Knicks’ pursuit of Looney was derailed by salary‑cap pressure, leading them to secure Andre Drummond as a backup center. The Warriors, after considering Looney as a veteran option, chose to add Charles Bassey for depth.

Both moves highlight the competitive scramble for front‑court talent during this offseason’s free‑agency period.

More NBA news: Keep up with the latest roster moves and free‑agency developments across the league.