The Los Angeles Lakers announced the addition of Kevon Looney on a one-year contract. Looney brings veteran experience and versatility to the roster, serving as a reliable interior option behind the team’s centers. A three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, he played a pivotal role during their 2022 title run and is expected to contribute depth and stability to the frontcourt.
Last season, Looney played for the New Orleans Pelicans, appearing in 21 games and starting eight contests. He averaged 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. His experience and playoff pedigree are viewed as valuable assets for a Lakers squad aiming to strengthen its frontcourt rotation.
During the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Looney discussed his decision to join the Lakers. He cited proximity, familiarity, and the opportunity to contribute as key factors. He noted that Los Angeles is a city he visits often, with friends and family nearby, making the Lakers an appealing destination for his next chapter.
Looney was born in Milwaukee and played college basketball at UCLA before being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2014. He later moved on to build a lengthy NBA resume, highlighted by three championships. Off the court, Looney’s personal life includes his wife, Mariah Simone, who is based in Los Angeles, aligning with his move to the city.
In discussing his fit with the Lakers, Looney mentioned an eagerness to contribute alongside capable teammates. He highlighted the potential to play alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, emphasizing how hisScreen-setting and defensive versatility could alleviate pressure for the guards and help generate clean looks. Looney described Dončić as a master of the pick-and-roll and expressed a desire to learn from him and adapt his screens to maximize value.
Looney also noted that he has yet to connect with Dončić and Reaves recently due to personal commitments, but he has been working out in Los Angeles throughout the offseason. With his arrival, the Lakers add a veteran presence who can contribute in areas such as rebounding, screen setting, and interior defense, while offering familiarity with a championship mindset.
As the team continues to build its rotation, Looney’s ability to contribute as a backup big and his prior championship experience are expected to aid the Lakers in broader playoff pursuits. His willingness to adapt to different roles and schemes could prove beneficial as the team refines its lineup ahead of the regular season.
