Lakers sign Kevon Looney to one-year $3.9M contract

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran center Kevon Looney to a one-year, $3.9 million contract, continuing a significant offseason overhaul of their frontcourt. The deal, which was agreed to on Tuesday, July 7, and confirmed by Looney's agent, brings the three-time NBA champion to Los Angeles to serve as the primary backup behind newly acquired starting center Walker Kessler.

Looney, 30, spent the last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he played a limited role, averaging 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 21 games. The Pelicans declined an $8 million team option for the upcoming season, making him an unrestricted free agent. His signing follows the Lakers' trade of former starter DeAndre Ayton to the Washington Wizards and the departure of Jaxson Hayes in free agency, moves that cleared the path for Kessler to become the franchise's cornerstone at center.

The acquisition is viewed by the organization as a low-risk move to add experience, rebounding, and a respected locker room presence. During his decade with the Golden State Warriors, Looney was valued for his basketball IQ, screen-setting, and role in three championship runs. In a 2024 interview, he expressed pride...