The Los Angeles Lakers continued their offseason roster overhaul on Tuesday, reaching a one-year agreement with veteran center Kevon Looney worth $3.9 million, according to Looney’s agent, who spoke with ESPN.
The 30-year-old is expected to serve as a backup to Walker Kessler, whom the Lakers recently acquired after sending Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards last week. Looney brings seasoned frontcourt experience to Los Angeles after spending last season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Prior to his time in New Orleans, Looney spent his first 10 NBA seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he earned three championship rings and developed a reputation for toughness on the boards, setting screens, and defending inside. In 21 appearances with the Pelicans, he put up averages of 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just under 15 minutes per night.
The UCLA product carries career averages of 4.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. His contributions have often shown up most during playoff competition, when he gave Golden State reliable rebounding and defensive flexibility in the frontcourt.
Los Angeles has been actively building around Luka Doncic this offseason, bringing in Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton before finalizing the Looney agreement.
The Lakers are also keeping the lines open with unrestricted free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, who was Looney’s former teammate in Golden State. General manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick held a virtual meeting with Kuminga and laid out a potential significant role alongside Doncic, ESPN reported. The team has maintained contact with Kuminga’s representatives since that meeting.
With one roster spot left following the Looney signing, the Lakers face financial constraints that could complicate a straight free-agent deal for Kuminga. A sign-and-trade arrangement may be necessary. Kuminga, who averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists between the Warriors and Atlanta Hawks last season, became available after Atlanta declined his $24.3 million team option last month.
