Kevon Looney Signs with Lakers as Backup Big Man

Recent Trade and Roster Adjustments

The Lakers completed a complex swap with the Utah Jazz, sending two first‑round picks and two future pick swaps to secure center Walker Kessler in a sign‑and‑trade. As part of the deal, Deandre Ayton was moved to the Washington Wizards, leaving Los Angeles short on traditional big men. To fill that gap, the franchise turned to veteran Kevon Looney, who agreed to a one‑year contract. The move also keeps Sandro Mamukelashvili in the rotation for occasional down‑court minutes.

Looney’s arrival provides a reliable bench option behind Kessler, offering experience and a solid presence on the glass. The signing was officially announced on Monday, capping off a busy week of roster reshuffling for the Lakers. The team now has depth at the position without committing to high‑priced free agents.

New Signing Explained

In an interview with Mark Medina of Fadeaway World, Looney detailed why the lure of Los Angeles was too strong to ignore. He mentioned the strong family connections he has in the area and the chance to play alongside established stars. The 30‑year‑old said his roots in Santa Barbara and frequent visits to the city made the offer irresistible. Looney indicated that the opportunity to contribute as a backup big man sealed the deal.

He played college basketball at UCLA and spent his first decade with the Golden State Warriors, where he earned three titles. After being selected 30th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, Looney built a reputation as a solid rebounder and perimeter defender. His recent season with the New Orleans Pelicans, despite limited playing time, showed he could still produce 5.6 rebounds per contest.

What Looney Brings to the Lakers

Looney is known for his 5.7‑point career average on a 57% shooting clip, complemented by 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per outing. He averages 17.1 minutes in the NBA, providing a dependable presence in the middle without demanding the ball frequently. His strengths lie in defensive versatility, offensive rebounding, and setting screens for teammates. Against elite passers like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, his ability to read different coverages will be valuable.

Looney has played with legendary shooters Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in Golden State, giving him insight into modern spacing and defensive schemes. He believes that experience helps him anticipate how teams will try to shield Luka from the ball. By using his toughness and physicality, Looney expects to make it easier for Doncic and Reaves to create open looks.

Championship Veteran Joins a Youthful Core

The Lakers have undergone a significant overhaul, losing LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura in recent free‑agency moves. Adding a player with three championships brings a veteran perspective to a roster that leans heavily on its younger talent. Looney’s experience with pressure situations and playoff basketball could accelerate the development of the team’s emerging players. His presence is intended to stabilize the bench while the core learns to navigate a rapid rebuilding phase.

The signing caps a week where the Lakers prioritized defensive sturdiness and rebounding depth, areas that proved critical in previous seasons. Looney’s ability to guard multiple positions and crash the boards aligns with the coaching staff’s philosophy of playing smaller, faster lineups while still maintaining interior presence. With his new role, the Lakers hope to remain competitive as they transition to a more youthful, athletic identity.