Lakers Sign Kevon Looney To One-Year Minimum Deal
lakers-sign-kevon-looney-to-one-year-minimum-deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have reached a one-year agreement with free-agent center Kevon Looney worth $3.9 million, agent Todd Ramasar told Shams Charania of ESPN.
Because the contract is for the veteran minimum, Looney will earn approximately $3.88 million while the Lakers carry a cap hit of about $2.45 million.
Veteran Adds Depth Behind Incoming Starter
Looney, 30, spent his first 10 NBA seasons with the Golden State Warriors (2015-25) before signing a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans last summer. In New Orleans he appeared in only 21 games, averaging 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists across 14.7 minutes. The rebuilding Pelicans prioritized young centers Derik Queen and Yves Missi and declined Looney’s $8 million option for 2026-27.
Despite the reduced role, Looney maintained a reputation as a reliable rebounder, screen setter and positive locker-room presence, drawing interest from several contenders once he entered unrestricted free agency. The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics were among the suitors before filling their center needs with Andre Drummond and Mitchell Robinson, respectively.
Shake-Up in Los Angeles Frontcourt
The Lakers have overhauled their center rotation this offseason. Jaxson Hayes departed for the Utah Jazz, and Deandre Ayton is being sent to the Washington Wizards as part of a separate trade. Los Angeles plans to install Walker Kessler as its long-term starter, positioning Looney as a likely primary backup if Sandro Mamukelashvili spends most of his minutes at power forward. Additional frontcourt moves remain possible.
Looney’s signing will be finalized after the Lakers complete their acquisitions of Kessler, Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes, all of which will use cap space. Looney will join the roster via the minimum-salary exception, requiring no additional room under the cap.
Source: Hoops Rumors
