​One former UCLA Bruin is returning to Los Angeles, as center Kevon Looney has agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the signing on Tuesday, confirming that Looney will join the Lakers on a one-year contract. The deal is reportedly worth $3.9 million, marking a homecoming for the longtime Golden State Warriors center as he heads back to the Pacific Division after spending a season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Looney could slot into the Lakers’ rotation as a backup center behind the newly acquired Walker Kessler. He appeared in 21 games last season for the Pelicans, a small sample that could translate into more opportunities with Los Angeles if his role with the team expands. Kessler, who the Lakers added to serve as the franchise center, played only five games last season and has appeared in 70 games across just four NBA seasons, highlighting the potential for Looney to contribute meaningful depth at the center position.
At UCLA, Looney was part of the 2014-2015 roster, standing 6’9” and appearing in 36 games. He averaged 11.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during his collegiate tenure. Since then, his game has evolved significantly. A hip injury sustained during his time at UCLA has had a lasting impact on his lateral movement, but it hasn’t prevented him from developing into a reliable NBA contributor.
Looney’s professional journey has been marked by his role on championship teams with the Golden State Warriors. He began his NBA career as a member of the Warriors’ famed 2016 championship squad, a season that helped launch a career defined by useful defense, rebounding, and timely contributions off the bench. Over the years, he has earned three NBA Finals appearances and titles, forging a path alongside stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Now Looney is set to join another notable name in the league—Luka Dončić—on a Lakers roster that aims to contend as the franchise looks to reclaim its place in the NBA Finals. The move comes in the wake of LeBron James’s departure from Los Angeles this offseason, a development that adds a layer of complexity to Los Angeles’s championship aspirations. The Lakers will lean on Looney’s experience and versatility as they navigate a season filled with expectations and the potential for new combinations in the frontcourt.
This report originates from UCLA Wire, detailing Kevon Looney’s return to Los Angeles and his new contract with the Lakers, and highlighting the broader context of his career and impact.