Kevon Looney joined the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2026 on a one-year, $3.9 million contract after one season with the New Orleans Pelicans. The 30-year-old veteran is expected to provide experienced frontcourt depth behind starting center Walker Kessler, bringing rebounding, screening, defensive experience and championship pedigree to the Lakers. Looney enters the 2026-27 season as a three-time NBA champion after spending the first decade-plus of his career with the Golden State Warriors.
Introduction
Kevon Looney’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers gives the team an experienced veteran center to stabilize its second unit during the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Lakers signed Looney in July 2026 to a one-year, $3.9 million contract, according to NBA and league reporting. The deal came after the veteran center spent the 2025-26 season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Looney is entering his 12th NBA season and brings something that cannot easily be measured through points per game: championship experience.
He spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Golden State Warriors and won three NBA championships, in 2017, 2018 and 2022.
With Los Angeles, his role is much more straightforward.
He is expected to provide backup-center minutes behind Walker Kessler, who joined the Lakers during the 2026 offseason. Looney’s job will likely involve rebounding, setting screens, defending the interior and providing a reliable veteran presence when Kessler leaves the floor.
The signing also reflects a significant change in the Lakers’ frontcourt.
Los Angeles traded Deandre Ayton to Washington during the offseason, while Jaxson Hayes left in free agency. That created a need for another established center alongside Kessler.
Looney fills that need without requiring a major financial commitment.
What Happened?
The Lakers agreed to sign Looney on July 7, 2026.
NBA.com subsequently listed Looney among the Lakers’ officially completed offseason additions.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Looney agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal and described the veteran as the team’s expected backup center.
The signing came shortly after the Lakers completed a major reshaping of their center position.
The team moved on from Ayton, who had been its starting center during the previous season, and added Kessler through a sign-and-trade with Utah.
Kessler subsequently agreed to a four-year contract with Los Angeles, while Looney became the experienced veteran behind him.
That gives the Lakers a much clearer center rotation heading into the season.
The basic structure is simple:
Walker Kessler → starting center
Kevon Looney → veteran backup center
The arrangement allows Kessler to handle the larger share of the minutes while Looney provides dependable depth.
Key Details
- Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Position: Center / Power Forward
- Jersey: No. 55
- Height: 6-foot-9
- Weight: 222 pounds
- Age: 30
- College: UCLA
- NBA Draft: 2015, first round, No. 30 overall
- Contract: One year
- Reported contract value: $3.9 million
- 2025-26 team: New Orleans Pelicans
- Career: 11 NBA seasons completed
- NBA championships: 3
- Previous primary team: Golden State Warriors
- Current role: Expected backup center for Los Angeles
Kevon Looney’s Lakers Contract
Looney’s Lakers contract is relatively modest compared with many starting centers around the NBA.
The agreement is for one year and $3.9 million. NBA.com confirms that Looney agreed to a one-year deal with Los Angeles, while the Los Angeles Times reported the value at $3.9 million.
The short-term structure makes sense for both sides.
For the Lakers, it provides a veteran backup center without committing substantial long-term money.
For Looney, it gives him an opportunity to join a high-profile team and potentially demonstrate that he can still contribute meaningful minutes in a competitive environment.
The contract also means the Lakers are not asking Looney to become the centerpiece of the frontcourt.
Instead, they need him to perform a specific job effectively.
What Is Kevon Looney’s Role With the Lakers?
Looney’s primary role is expected to be backup center.
The Lakers acquired Kessler to serve as their starting center, so Looney is not expected to compete with him for the primary role.
Instead, Looney can provide a different type of value.
He has spent years playing in structured NBA systems and understands how to operate without demanding the ball.
That is especially useful for a veteran bench player.
His likely responsibilities include:
- Defending opposing centers.
- Rebounding on both ends of the court.
- Setting screens for guards and wings.
- Creating extra possessions through offensive rebounds.
- Making simple passes from the interior.
- Protecting the paint.
- Providing physicality against larger frontcourts.
- Helping maintain defensive structure when Kessler is resting.
His offensive responsibilities should be relatively limited.
Looney has never been a high-volume scorer, and his career has been built more around defense, rebounding, screening and team play.
Kevon Looney’s 2025-26 Stats
Looney’s most recent completed NBA season came with New Orleans.
He appeared in 21 games during the 2025-26 regular season.
His averages were:
| Statistic | 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Games | 21 |
| Minutes | 14.7 |
| Points | 2.8 |
| Rebounds | 5.6 |
| Assists | 1.6 |
| Steals | 0.4 |
| Blocks | 0.5 |
| Field Goal % | 41.7% |
| 3-Point % | 15.4% |
| Free Throw % | 70.0% |
Those figures are reported by Basketball-Reference and other statistical databases.
The numbers should be viewed in context.
Looney played only 14.7 minutes per game, so his statistics do not represent the production of a starting center playing 30-plus minutes.
His 5.6 rebounds per game in limited minutes are more representative of the type of contribution the Lakers are seeking.
Kevon Looney’s Career Stats
Looney has built a long NBA career without being a major offensive player.
Through the 2025-26 season, he had appeared in 620 regular-season games, averaging:
- 4.9 points
- 5.7 rebounds
- 1.6 assists
- 57.0% field-goal shooting
- 0.5 steals
- 0.5 blocks
He has also played extensive postseason basketball because of his years with Golden State.
His career numbers help explain why the Lakers value him as a role player.
He does not need 15 shots per game to have an impact.
Instead, his value comes from doing several small things consistently.
Kevon Looney’s Warriors Career
The largest chapter of Looney’s career came in Golden State.
The Warriors selected him 30th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft after his college career at UCLA.
He developed into a dependable frontcourt player during Golden State’s championship era.
Looney became particularly valuable because he could defend multiple frontcourt players, rebound and set screens for stars such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
His willingness to perform the less glamorous jobs of basketball made him an important part of the Warriors’ system.
Three NBA Championships
Looney won championships with Golden State in:
- 2017
- 2018
- 2022
That gives the Lakers a player who has experienced championship-level basketball from the inside.
His experience includes regular-season competition, deep playoff runs and NBA Finals pressure.
That background could be valuable in a locker room that includes younger players.
Why Looney’s Championship Experience Matters
A backup center’s job is not necessarily to become a star.
Sometimes the value is reliability.
Looney has spent years playing alongside elite NBA talent and learning how to contribute without dominating possessions.
That experience can help the Lakers in several ways.
Defensive communication
Veteran players can recognize actions before they develop and communicate assignments to teammates.
Screening
Looney has long been regarded as a useful screener.
That can create opportunities for Lakers guards and ball-handlers.
Rebounding
Extra possessions become particularly important in playoff basketball.
Physicality
A veteran center can absorb difficult minutes against larger opposing frontcourts.
Experience
Three championship rings give Looney an unusual level of postseason experience for a reserve player.
Background: Kevon Looney’s Path to the NBA
Looney grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and played high school basketball at Milwaukee Hamilton.
He became a highly regarded college prospect and chose UCLA.
After one season with the Bruins, he entered the 2015 NBA Draft.
Golden State selected him with the 30th overall pick.
His NBA debut came in January 2016.
The early part of his career was affected by injuries, but he gradually established himself as a reliable rotation player.
Over time, his role increased, particularly as the Warriors needed versatile big men who could defend, rebound and screen.
That development ultimately turned him into one of Golden State’s longest-tenured players.
2025-26 Season With the Pelicans
Looney’s final season before joining Los Angeles came with New Orleans.
He appeared in 21 games and averaged 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 14.7 minutes per game.
His playing time was limited, but some individual games showed his ability to contribute in multiple areas.
On April 7, 2026, for example, Looney recorded 7 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists against Utah.
That performance illustrates why raw scoring statistics do not fully describe his value.
A veteran center can influence a game through rebounds and passing even when he scores very little.
What the Lakers Are Getting
The Lakers are not signing Looney because they expect him to become a 20-point scorer.
They are signing him because he can fill a defined role.
Rebounding
Looney’s career average of 5.7 rebounds per game demonstrates his longstanding ability to contribute on the glass.
Screening
His experience in Golden State’s offense gave him years of experience setting screens for high-level ball-handlers.
Defense
Looney’s defensive value comes from positioning, physicality and experience rather than spectacular athleticism.
Passing
His career average of 1.6 assists per game is modest, but he has shown an ability to make useful passes from the frontcourt.
Veteran leadership
After more than a decade in the NBA, Looney has experience that cannot be replicated by a young player.
How Looney Fits Behind Walker Kessler
The Lakers’ decision to acquire Walker Kessler changed their frontcourt structure.
Kessler is expected to handle the starting-center responsibilities, while Looney provides the veteran alternative.
That pairing gives Los Angeles two centers with different profiles.
Kessler provides youth, size and defensive upside.
Looney provides experience, rebounding and familiarity with NBA playoff basketball.
The combination also gives coach JJ Redick greater flexibility.
If Kessler gets into foul trouble, needs rest or struggles against a particular matchup, Looney can take over.
That type of depth becomes increasingly important during a long NBA season.
What Officials and Organizations Have Said
The Lakers’ official offseason transaction listing confirms Looney as one of the team’s 2026 additions. NBA.com also lists his move from New Orleans to Los Angeles among the league’s completed offseason transactions.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers viewed Looney as their backup center following the addition of Kessler and the departure of Ayton and Hayes. The report also highlighted Looney’s rebounding, defense and screening ability.
There is currently no evidence that Los Angeles plans to use Looney as its primary center.
The available reporting instead points to a specialized veteran backup role.
Why This Matters
Looney’s signing matters because the Lakers needed reliable frontcourt depth.
A team can have an excellent starting center but still struggle if there is no dependable player behind him.
The NBA season is long, and injuries, foul trouble and fatigue can quickly change a rotation.
Looney’s experience reduces some of that uncertainty.
His contract also represents a relatively low-risk investment.
At one year, Los Angeles has not committed significant long-term resources to the veteran center.
That allows the team to evaluate its frontcourt during the 2026-27 season without making a major future financial commitment.
Potential Limitations
Looney also has limitations.
He is no longer the same player he was during Golden State’s championship years.
His recent offensive numbers are modest, and he does not provide much three-point shooting.
During 2025-26, he shot 41.7% from the field and 15.4% from three-point range.
That means teams can generally focus more defensive attention on other Lakers when Looney is on the floor.
His age is another consideration.
Looney is 30 and entering his 12th NBA season, so the Lakers are unlikely to expect significant physical development from him.
His value is primarily based on experience and reliability.
What Happens Next?
The immediate priority is establishing the Lakers’ regular-season center rotation.
Kessler is expected to receive the larger role, while Looney competes for backup minutes.
The biggest things to monitor will be:
- Looney’s minutes per game.
- His rebounding production.
- Defensive effectiveness.
- Ability to stay healthy.
- How he fits with the Lakers’ second unit.
- His performance against larger opposing centers.
- Whether his championship experience translates into useful veteran leadership.
The Lakers also have Sandro Mamukelashvili as another frontcourt option, giving the coaching staff additional flexibility. NBA.com’s offseason transaction tracker lists both Looney and Mamukelashvili among Los Angeles’ 2026 additions.
Kevon Looney’s NBA Role in 2026-27
The most accurate description of Looney’s role is veteran backup center.
He is not expected to carry the offense.
He is not expected to replace Kessler as the starter.
Instead, he provides a dependable option for the minutes when the Lakers need size, rebounding and defensive experience.
That can be an important role on a team with championship ambitions.
A player does not have to be a star to influence whether a team succeeds.
In Looney’s case, his success will likely be measured by whether he can consistently make the Lakers better during his minutes.
Final Assessment
Kevon Looney enters the 2026-27 season in a different situation from the one he experienced during his championship years in Golden State.
He is now a veteran reserve rather than a core starter.
But that does not make his role unimportant.
The Lakers signed him to a one-year, $3.9 million contract because they needed experience and depth behind Walker Kessler.
Looney’s career statistics—4.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game—show that his value has never depended primarily on scoring.
His three NBA championships provide another dimension to his value.
The Lakers are betting that his rebounding, screening, defense and experience can translate into reliable second-unit minutes.
If he stays healthy and performs those tasks effectively, Looney could become an important supporting piece of the Lakers’ 2026-27 roster.
His role may not generate spectacular box scores, but for a veteran backup center, consistency can be more important than headlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kevon Looney’s Lakers contract?
Kevon Looney signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2026.
What is Kevon Looney’s role with the Lakers?
Looney is expected to serve as the backup center behind Walker Kessler. His main responsibilities are expected to include rebounding, defense, screening and providing veteran depth.
How old is Kevon Looney?
Kevon Looney was born on February 6, 1996, making him 30 years old at the start of the 2026-27 season.
How many NBA championships has Kevon Looney won?
Looney has won three NBA championships, all with the Golden State Warriors: 2017, 2018 and 2022.
What were Kevon Looney’s 2025-26 stats?
With the New Orleans Pelicans, Looney averaged 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 21 games while playing 14.7 minutes per game.
What are Kevon Looney’s career averages?
Through the 2025-26 season, Looney had career regular-season averages of 4.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
Which team drafted Kevon Looney?
The Golden State Warriors selected Looney with the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He played college basketball at UCLA.
Why did the Lakers sign Kevon Looney?
The Lakers needed an experienced backup center after trading Deandre Ayton and losing Jaxson Hayes in free agency. Looney provides rebounding, defense, screening and championship experience behind Walker Kessler.
Is Kevon Looney a good rebounder?
Rebounding has been one of Looney’s most consistent contributions. He has averaged 5.7 rebounds per game for his NBA career, and he averaged 5.6 rebounds in limited minutes during the 2025-26 season.
What is Kevon Looney’s jersey number with the Lakers?
Looney is listed as No. 55 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
