​The Los Angeles Lakers pressed on with their eventful offseason on Tuesday, landing a three-time NBA champion to bolster their frontcourt. Following the trade of former starting center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards, the Lakers added a proven playoff performer in free agency, strengthening a front line now anchored by marquee signee Walker Kessler. The moves come as part of a broader lineup revamp that unfolded after LeBron James indicated late last month that he wouldn’t be back, with GM Rob Pelinka acting decisively to reshape the roster in response to Luka Dončić’s public push for an “A-list center.” Pelinka delivered by acquiring Kessler from the Utah Jazz, a move that signaled the Lakers’ intent to prioritize interior presence and rim protection.
Pelinka kept the momentum going by bringing in Sandro Mamukelashvili, who had a breakout season with the Toronto Raptors, to further bolster the frontcourt versatility and scoring punch. Then, on Tuesday, NBA insider Shams Charania announced the Lakers’ latest offseason addition: free agent center Kevon Looney agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Lakers, according to Life Sports Agency CEO Todd Ramasar for ESPN. Charania highlighted how Looney could impact the Lakers, describing him as “one of the top available backup centers” who brings valuable experience and pick-and-roll command for Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves after years of screening for Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala in Golden State.
Depth in the frontcourt was a clear need for Los Angeles, especially since only Kessler and Mamukelashvili were established as paint protectors and interior presences. The Lakers’ options for interior help were further limited when Andre Drummond chose to sign with the New York Knicks. Jonas Valančiūnas, a solid backup big who had been connected to L.A., appeared to be leaning toward a return to Europe, a possibility that likely removed him from the Lakers’ list of targets. With options narrowing, Pelinka acted quickly to secure Looney, who reportedly drew interest from several teams.
The 30-year-old big man spent his first decade and a half in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors, contributing to three championships before the Dubs allowed him to test free agency last summer. He signed with the New Orleans Pelicans and, this past season, averaged 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game over 21 appearances (eight starts) for a Pelicans squad hampered by a nagging left knee injury. The injury limited his playing time but did not erase his reputation as a dependable interior presence and a veteran voice in the locker room.
LA is banking on a healthy Looney to provide essential frontcourt depth behind Kessler, the centerpiece of the Lakers’ $130 million offseason investment. Looney’s addition also continues a noteworthy thread in Lakers history: the franchise has welcomed several former Warriors centers who later played for Los Angeles. JaVale McGee and DeMarcus Cousins both spent portions of their careers with the Lakers after their Bay Area chapters, reinforcing a shared lineage of big men who can facilitate a modern offensive attack with screening, rolling, and inside-out scoring.
In sum, the Lakers’ busy offseason press conference concluded Tuesday with a robust frontcourt upgrade designed to support Kessler’s development and to give LeBron James a more sustainable and versatile lineup. The combination of Kessler’s rim protection, Mamukelashvili’s versatility, and Looney’s Erfahrung and playmaking around the paint aims to create a more dynamic and resilient interior that can better compete in a crowded Western Conference. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how these new pieces fit with Dončić’s preferred playmaking style and how head coach Darvin Ham will optimize lineups to maximize the depth and durability of this revamped Lakers squad.