Once the Los Angeles Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards, they needed to fill the backup center role behind newly acquired Walker Kessler. Ultimately, Kevon Looney became that option and he brings veteran leadership with him to a young roster.
Looney is most known during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, where he won three championships. After a down year last season as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, the UCLA product detailed what his role will be with the Lakers.
“Filling that backup center role, being a veteran for this team and bringing championship experience to the team,” Looney said in an interview with ESPN LA. “Bring that toughness that I always try to bring every time I play. So, that’s what my roles going to be and I’m looking forward to getting out there and showing the people what I can do.
This offseason featured an entire roster overhaul for the Lakers, which included finding a new identity with Luka Doncic leading the way. With Looney currently as the oldest player on the Lakers roster, general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick clearly wanted to get younger.
After getting swept in the second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, it became evident what L.A. needed to do to contend in a competitive Western Conference. Although the veteran big man did not produce or find a consistent role in New Orleans, the hope is that he can return to form as he is only 30 years of age.
Kessler can also reap the benefits of having someone who has won it all on three occasions as he looks to get to that level. Los Angeles will probably need one more center to round out their big rotation, but hopefully adding experience into the fold pays dividends.
Kevon Looney is cousin of another former Lakers player
Playing in Los Angeles is a dream for some players as they get to live in warm weather with a chance to contend for championships. As the Lakers navigate a new era with Doncic at the forefront, they needed to sell free agents on a vision.
For Looney, he gets a chance to carve out a backup role behind Kessler, along with playing for a winning team. However, one of Looney’s cousins was a former Lakers player who played four seasons in L.A., adding an interesting wrinkle to this recent signing.
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