Kevon Looney Accepts One-Year Deal With Lakers After ‘Can’t Turn Down’ Offer
kevon-looney-joins-lakers-on-one-year-deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have filled their backup center vacancy, signing veteran big man Kevon Looney to a one-year minimum contract, the team announced this week.
Looney, 30, arrives in Los Angeles after spending last season with the New Orleans Pelicans. A three-time NBA champion during his eight-year tenure with the Golden State Warriors, he is now the oldest player on the Lakers roster.
Why Looney Chose L.A.
The unrestricted free agent said several teams contacted him about a reserve role, but personal ties to Southern California and the chance to play for the Lakers made the decision straightforward.
“I looked at the landscape of free agency and where there was an opportunity where I could play,” Looney told Mark Medina of Fadeaway World. “A few teams called looking for a backup big. LA is a place that I come to all the time. I’ve got a lot of friends and family here. So to have the opportunity to join the Lakers, I couldn’t turn that down.”
Free Agency Mixed With Wedding Plans
Looney agreed to terms while finalizing wedding preparations; he was married on Saturday, July 11, in Santa Barbara.
“Leading up to the wedding, I didn’t have a job yet,” he said. “It was a little nerve-wracking. But once I signed and knew where I was going to be, it took a lot of weight off my shoulders. I’m already training in LA this summer, so it all worked out perfectly.”
Role With the Lakers
Looney is expected to serve as the primary backup to newly acquired center Walker Kessler, offering screening and rebounding support for Luka Dončić and the rest of the rotation.
Roster Moves Continue
Even after reaching the 15-player limit, the Lakers are reportedly pursuing free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. Any deal for the former lottery pick would require a sign-and-trade arrangement.
Source: Lakers Nation
