TITLE: Kevon Looney Says Time With Stephen Curry Prepares Him to Assist Luka Doncic
SLUG: kevon-looney-says-time-with-stephen-curry-prepares-him-to-assist-luka-doncic
CONTENT:
New Los Angeles Lakers center Kevon Looney believes his years screening for Stephen Curry in Golden State will translate seamlessly to working with Luka Doncic.
Looney, 30, joined the Lakers on a one-year, $3.9 million contract for the 2026-27 season. After spending last year mentoring young players in New Orleans, the three-time NBA champion said his experience navigating complex pick-and-roll coverages with Curry should benefit Doncic immediately.
Drawing on Warriors Experience
“Guys like Steph and Luka see a lot of different coverages,” Looney said. “As a big man in the pick-and-roll, you have to be ready for all of those different reads…Already having that experience with Steph just prepares my mind that they’re going to try to get the ball out of [Luka’s] hands.”
Looney explained that against elite ball-handlers he must adjust screen angles, release points and timing. “I’ll be ready to make plays out of the pocket, hold my screens to get Luka open, or set earlier screens in the back,” he added.
Learning Doncic’s Preferences
The veteran center said the next step is understanding Doncic’s specific tendencies. “Every guard is different,” Looney noted. “My job is to ask as many questions as possible and see what he wants. Does he want me to roll, pop, or short roll? Wherever he wants to be at, that’s where I’m going to be at.”
Role Still Taking Shape
Head coach Darvin Ham has not detailed Looney’s minutes, but the former Warrior is expected to back up starting center Walker Kessler and set screens for the All-Star backcourt of Doncic and Austin Reaves. Even if his on-court role is limited, Looney’s championship experience is viewed as a stabilizing presence for a roster that underwent significant offseason turnover.
Source: Lakers Nation
