Reports indicate that Looney has been in contact with the Lakers, with continued interest also coming from the defending champion New York Knicks. This adds another experienced option to a center market that has become a top priority for the Lakers this offseason.
The Lakers’ center depth took a hit earlier in the offseason when they traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards. Shortly thereafter, Shams Charania reported that veteran centers including Andre Drummond, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Looney were among the options under consideration for Los Angeles. With Drummond agreeing to a one-year deal with the Knicks, the Lakers pressed on to evaluate the remaining veteran centers.
Looney’s championship pedigree stands out as a major draw. The 28-year-old spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Golden State Warriors, contributing to three NBA titles and establishing himself as a reliable screen-setter, rebounder, and defensive role player. He joined the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2025-26 season, appearing in 21 games (eight starts) and averaging 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 14.7 minutes per game. While his offensive role decreased, Looney’s reputation as a steady interior defender and high basketball IQ remains appealing to contenders seeking reliable frontcourt depth.
The pursuit, however, could be complicated by the Knicks. New York has shown continued interest in Looney even after agreeing to terms with Drummond, and the possibility exists that the Knicks could pursue multiple veteran centers, including Jonas Valančiūnas. That could set up a competition between the Lakers and Knicks for the remaining top centers on the market. The Lakers, though, may offer a more attractive basketball opportunity, particularly with Walker Kessler slated to anchor the starting lineup, creating a clear role for Looney as the primary back-up at center.
On the Knicks’ side, Karl-Anthony Towns and Drummond are already in the mix atop the depth chart, which means Looney would likely vie for minutes as an additional frontcourt reserve if he signs.
The Lakers have made aggressive moves to reshape the roster around Dončić this summer, with Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Jaden Hardy among the new additions as the team transitions into a new era. Securing a dependable veteran center has thus become a top priority. Looney remains a strong option alongside Valančiūnas as potential frontcourt pieces the Lakers may pursue, likely fending off competition from the defending champions in a bid to strengthen their depth up front.
