As it currently stands, the only other true center on the Los Angeles Lakers roster aside from starter Walker Kessler is veteran Kevon Looney. While he spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Looney spent the first 10 years of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors where he won multiple NBA Championships.
Looney was limited to just 21 games due to injury last year and now coming into his first with the Lakers, the big man has a chip on his shoulder with plenty to prove.
“I’m just coming in. I got a chip on my shoulder, I wanna just show people what I can do,” Looney said in an interview on Mason & Ireland on ESPN LA 710. “I wanna be one of the best offensive rebounders, one of the best rebounders in the league. I wanna be one of the best role players in the league. I wanna bring a lot of spark to our bench and a lot of leadership.
“My goal every year is always to play every game and be consistent. I had a couple injuries last year so I wasn’t able to meet that goal last year so I wanna get back on the right step and prove myself all over again and show I’m an iron man, I’m a tough man and I’m one of the best rebounders in the league.”
Even in limited appearances last season, Looney still averaged 2.3 offensive rebounds per game which shows he can still be very effective on the glass. He has averaged at least 1.9 offensive rebounds in each of the last six seasons and had played in at least 74 games in the four seasons prior to last year so he believes he will be able to get back on track and be impactful for this Lakers team.
Looney is someone who has seen it all in the NBA with multiple deep playoff runs and performing on the biggest stage. He believes he has plenty left in the tank and is eager to prove that with the purple and gold.
Kevon Looney details expected role with the Lakers
Looney is also someone who understands his role and what is expected of him on this Lakers team. The big man spoke about thriving in a backup role, bringing his veteran leadership, championship experience and toughness to this squad that has undergone major roster turnover this offseason as the front office builds around Luka Doncic.
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