Barring another signing, the backup center for the Los Angeles Lakers projects to be Kevon Looney. The 30-year-old is entering his 12th NBA season, and is among the most accomplished backup bigs in the league. He’s a three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors in 2017, 2018 and 2022. His 2025-26 season was marred by injury, but he is considered to be an elite screener and rebounder at this stage of his career.
Those two skills could go a long way next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the Lakers, as they have clearly made it a point to improve in both of these areas from last season to this one. Looney reportedly had interest from a number of teams after his disappointing campaign with the New Orleans Pelicans, but ultimately chose the Lakers for the following reasons.
“They needed a backup center, right? He had some opportunities around the league,” reported Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “I spoke to someone close to him today who said that he saw it as a clear opportunity. He saw a parallel between some of the half-court sets that they’re going to run, the way he can free up Luka and AR the same way he freed up Klay and Steph with screens — multi-time champion. And then let’s talk off the court. He’s a UCLA guy. He spends the offseasons in L.A. He’s getting married this weekend to his bride, who is also a hooper at Cal State Northridge. So it’s a happy time for the Looney family, and I’ve spent some time around Kevon — he’s a good guy to have among this group as a veteran leader as well.”
Looney is not someone who should be expected to play big minutes or regularly start games at this stage. However, the Lakers likely won’t need that much from him. Walker Kessler will carry the bulk of the minutes at the center position, and Sandro Mamukelashvili can fill in admirably as a small-ball five. The Lakers also have AK Okereke on a two-way contract if they want another option.
L.A. could also sign another big man if they want to have substantial depth, but their focus is rightfully on a starting-caliber forward right now. Looney, should he stay healthy, will give the Lakers enough to be happy with their backup center.
Lakers officially acquire Walker Kessler
The Lakers officially agreed to a sign-and-trade agreement that sent Kessler to the purple and gold in exchange for two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps back to the Utah Jazz.
While the terms of the contract were not announced, the reports are that it is a four-year, $130 million contract.
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