​The Los Angeles Lakers headed into this offseason with a number of roster gaps, and those gaps grew larger last week when LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and Jaxson Hayes departed. On Tuesday, they addressed another need by moving to fill out their frontcourt. The team had been pursuing Walker Kessler, the defensive-minded center they hoped would anchor their defense, but a reliable backup behind him remained elusive. Now, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Kevon Looney is set to join the Lakers as a free agent to fill that backup five role.
ESPN reports that while the Lakers continue to explore unrestricted free agent wing Jonathan Kuminga, conversations with league sources indicate they have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran center Kevon Looney, who previously played alongside Kuminga as teammates with the Golden State Warriors. The contract value is reported at $3.9 million, as confirmed to ESPN by Life Sports Agency CEO Todd Ramasar in a conversation with Shams Charania.
Looney’s addition comes after the Lakers traded big man Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards last week, creating the vacancy for a reliable backup center. Looney brings a decade of experience from his time with the Warriors, where he was a key contributor on championship-winning teams. He spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, adding another layer of veteran presence to a team that is retooling.
Physically, Looney stands around 6-foot-9 and weighs approximately 220 pounds. He has been known as a strong rebounder throughout his career, averaging 5.7 rebounds per 17.1 minutes over his career. In the most recent season, he posted averages of 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in roughly 14.7 minutes per game with the Pelicans, although his playing time dipped to 21 games. At 30 years old, he isn’t ancient by any means, but he will be the oldest member of a Lakers roster that has been significantly younger this summer.
Looney’s track record includes a strong defensive reputation, particularly against both centers and forwards, and while he isn’t a threat as an offensive focal point and his three-point shooting has never been a strong suit, his defense and rebounding, leadership, and playoff experience can provide a stabilizing presence for a Lakers squad undergoing notable upheaval. In the Warriors’ championship run, Looney started in 80 regular-season games and 13 of 22 playoff contests, underscoring his value as a dependable, versatile big man. His experience and defensive acumen are expected to help anchor a Lakers defense as they integrate a younger core with newly acquired pieces.
The addition of Looney signals a shift toward establishing a more veteran-informed frontcourt, even as the Lakers pursue other potential upgrades in wings and bench depth. His defensive instincts, timing on the glass, and ability to guard multiple frontcourt positions should help stabilize a team that is integrating a mix of youth and experience. While Looney may not provide a prolific scoring threat or stretch the floor with shooting, his presence could contribute to improved interior defense, second-chance opportunities, and a steadying influence for a team in transition.
This move comes amid a broader reconfiguration of the Lakers’ roster, with departures and new signings shaping the complexion of their rotation. Looney’s presence should complement a lineup that includes a mix of young talents and veteran leadership, offering a reliable option at center behind the expected starter and providing cover for potential injuries or matchup-driven needs. As the season approaches, the Lakers will likely continue evaluating wings and other frontcourt pieces to balance the roster and maximize the contributions of both seasoned veterans and rising players.
In summary, the Lakers have secured veteran center Kevon Looney on a one-year deal worth $3.9 million, adding a steady rebounder and defender to back up their future floor general at center while continuing to pursue additional upgrades. Looney’s experienced presence, combined with his defensive versatility, positions him as a valuable piece for a Lakers team intent on regrouping after a busy offseason and building a cohesive, competitive rotation around their young core.