Kevon Looney, the 30-year-old former center of the Golden State Warriors, has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The agreement is valued at $3.9 million, aligning with the veteran minimum for players with more than a decade of NBA service. The news was reported via social media by Shams Charania and confirmed through his sources.
Looney’s NBA journey began with the Warriors, where he spent ten seasons and helped the team capture three NBA titles during that stretch. After his tenure in Golden State, Looney spent the 2025-26 season with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans chose not to exercise a team option on Looney’s contract for the upcoming season, instead opting to save cap space. The Lakers’ decision to add Looney comes as they look to bolster their frontcourt depth and bring veteran experience to the roster.
Over his 12 NBA seasons, Looney has appeared in 599 career games, starting 262 of them. He has averaged 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, with an average of 17.2 minutes per appearance during his time with the Warriors. While not renowned for scoring, Looney’s value has often been tied to his defense, rebounding, and ability to operate within a team-centric system. His role with the Lakers is expected to be that of a sturdy rotation big who can provide energy, screens, and reliable effort on the boards.
The contract places Looney behind newly signed center Walker Kessler, whose arrival was secured earlier after a trade that involved multiple draft picks. The Lakers valued Kessler for his potential and two-way impact, and Looney’s addition complements that arrangement by offering a veteran presence and a different skill set in the frontcourt.
Looking ahead, the broader landscape of free agency could still bring notable movement around the league. One high-profile name who continues to be a topic of discussion is LeBron James. As a free agent, James remains a major catalyst in any team’s plans—though his primary considerations often revolve around competing for championships and fit rather than merely financial terms. The Warriors, meanwhile, are exploring options to retain or resign key players and to optimize their cap space for potential future moves. The possibility of LeBron James returning to the Bay Area has been a topic of speculation, with various scenarios floated by analysts and fans alike.
Beyond speculative chatter, teams are actively evaluating how best to construct rosters for the upcoming season. The balance between veteran presence, youth development, cap flexibility, and tactical fit remains at the forefront of decision-making for front offices across the league. For Looney, the move to the Lakers represents a fresh opportunity to contribute to a different contender’s rotation and to continue his career as a versatile big who can defend multiple frontcourt positions, set solid screens, and provide reliable hustle plays.
Fans of the Lakers will be watching to see how Looney integrates with the team’s existing backline and frontline talents. His presence could help stabilize lineups during heavy minutes, particularly in scenarios requiring physicality and interior defense. For Looney, the objective is straightforward: maximize his minutes, bring energy, and demonstrate his value as a team-first player who can impact the game beyond scoring.
In summary, Kevon Looney’s return to California marks a new chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers. The one-year deal, valued at $3.9 million, reflects his veteran status and the role the Lakers expect him to fill in the rotation. As the season approaches, both Looney and the Lakers will look to forge a productive partnership built on defense, rebounding, and unselfish play that fits the team’s broader strategic goals.
