Newly signed center Kevon Looney says joining the Los Angeles Lakers alongside stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is a “big-time opportunity” he could not refuse.
Speaking with Mark Medina of Fadeaway World, Looney explained that the chance to play for another storied franchise and in front of the Lakers’ widespread fan base made Los Angeles the right fit as he looks to reignite his career after a limited role with the New Orleans Pelicans last season.
“Playing with great players is great,” Looney said. “I’ll be able to play with Luka and Reaves and everybody else. I’m super excited.”
Expectations on offense and defense
The 30-year-old believes Doncic’s elite passing and Reaves’ scoring ability will create easy looks for him in pick-and-roll situations. He added that his screening, rebounding and physical presence can, in turn, free both guards for cleaner shots.
“Luka is one of the best passers in the league,” Looney noted. “He can create so many opportunities for me as a pick-and-roll player. For Austin, I can set screens on and off the ball, hold my screens and relieve pressure so they can get a clean look. That’s something I specialize in.”
Looney also expects to contribute toughness and leadership to a locker room that now skews younger following the Lakers’ offseason overhaul, which swapped out centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes for Looney and Walker Kessler.
Drawing on Golden State experience
The former Golden State Warrior said years of screening for Stephen Curry prepared him to adapt quickly to Doncic’s pick-and-roll preferences. “Every time I go to a new team or play with a new guard, I ask how he likes to play. That’s always the fun part,” Looney stated.
While head coach Darvin Ham has yet to define Looney’s exact role, the veteran’s combination of championship experience, defense and basketball IQ is expected to bolster a frontcourt that now features Kessler, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt.
Looney added that returning to Southern California—where he starred at UCLA before entering the NBA—was another pull. “It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” he said.
Los Angeles opens training camp in late September, when Looney will begin working full-time with Doncic, Reaves and the rest of the retooled roster.
Source: LakersNation.com
