A New Chapter in Los Angeles
Three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney has officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers, signing a one-year, $3.9 million contract. The veteran center, who spent a decade as a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors, chose the Lakers over several title contenders, including the reigning champion New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the primary motivation behind Looney’s decision was the opportunity to play alongside superstar Luka Doncic. Looney reportedly views the Lakers’ half-court sets as a perfect environment to utilize his elite screen-setting abilities, aiming to replicate the chemistry he once shared with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
Strategic Roster Building
The acquisition of Looney fills the Lakers’ 14th roster spot. While Looney is coming off an injury-riddled 2025-26 season where he appeared in only 21 games due to a left knee injury, his track record as a durable, championship-caliber veteran is viewed as a significant asset for a team looking to contend. He is expected to provide critical depth behind starting center Walker Kessler, who arrived following the departure of Deandre Ayton.
Lakers management is not finished with their roster construction. Reports indicate that the organization is treating the 15th and final roster spot as a high-priority asset. The front office is actively exploring trade options involving Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht, with a focus on acquiring a difference-making talent—most notably Jonathan Kuminga—to solidify the team’s rotation around Doncic.
As the Lakers head into the 2026-27 season, the addition of a proven winner like Looney signals a clear intent to maximize the prime years of their new core, leveraging the league-wide appeal of playing in the Los Angeles market.