Last Friday, the Lakers executed a swap that sent Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for two future second-round picks (2021 and 2022) and shooting guard Jaden Hardy. The move freed more than $2.1 million in salary-cap space and spurred immediate discussion about how to allocate that room to reinforce the center position behind Kessler.
League-wide reports highlighted several names that could fit as a backup center for Los Angeles. Notably, veteran big man Kevon Looney was among the targets discussed, along with other established centers.
Kevon Looney would bring championship pedigree and a track record of durability. Across ten seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Looney started 262 games and appeared in 599 contests. He averaged 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in his Warriors tenure, averaging 17.2 minutes per game. After a stint with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2025-26 season, where he appeared in 21 games and started eight, the 6-foot-9 center entered unrestricted free agency when New Orleans declined an $8 million team option. If he remains on the market, Looney could be a strong low-cost option for the Lakers, potentially signing for a contract around the league minimum, estimated near $3.9 million for a 10-year veteran in the upcoming season.
Another veteran option is Andre Drummond, who has a longer track record of scoring and rebounding. Drummond posted averages of 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds for the Philadelphia 76ers in the most recent season. However, his market value might be higher than Looney’s, given his extensive experience and production.
The market could also feature a potential reunion with the Warriors, should Looney become a free agent. His relationship with Golden State and the chance to reunite there add an extra layer of competition for the Lakers in their pursuit of a reliable backup center behind Kessler.
As teams weigh their options, the Lakers’ frontcourt planning continues to center on securing a dependable backup to pair with Kessler. The goal is to maintain depth and stability along the frontline, ensuring the team remains competitive in the rotation without overextending the cap.
In summary, the Lakers are evaluating veteran centers who can contribute solid minutes behind Walker Kessler. Names such as Kevon Looney and Andre Drummond are among the top considerations, with Looney potentially available at a more affordable rate. The coming weeks will reveal how the Lakers prioritize this position as they navigate salary cap implications and market competition.
