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Lakers’ Looney Drops Blunt Truth on Luka Doncic
Lakers Add Veteran Big Man Kevon Looney: What It Means for the Team
The Big News: Lakers Fill Out Their Roster
After making major moves in free agency and completing a couple of trades, the Los Angeles Lakers still had empty spots on their roster. To finish building the team, they signed a few more players—one of them is a very familiar face to NBA fans.
Important Point: The Lakers weren’t done after their headline-grabbing moves. They needed role players who know how to win, and they found one in Kevon Looney.
Who Is Kevon Looney?
Think of Looney as the reliable, hardworking teammate every team wishes they had. Here’s his basketball resume in simple terms:
- Position: Center (the tall player who plays near the basket)
- Age: 30 (he’ll be the oldest player on the Lakers)
- Last Season (2025-26): Played for the New Orleans Pelicans
- Previous 10 Years: Golden State Warriors
- Championships: 3 NBA titles with the Warriors (2017, 2018, 2022)
- Specialty: Setting screens, grabbing rebounds, playing smart defense, and doing the "dirty work" that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet
Why Looney Is Excited About Luka Dončić
Looney went on ESPN LA’s Mason & Ireland show and didn’t hide his enthusiasm about teaming up with Luka Dončić.
What Looney Said (In His Own Words)
"I’m excited to be on his team, be able to learn from him, be able to play pick-and-roll with him. He’s probably the best pick-and-roll player in the league, so being able to learn how he wants me to set screens and different things like that I’m excited about it. He’s one of the best guys in the league, and it makes my life a lot easier playing with him, so I’m super excited."
What Is "Pick-and-Roll"? (ELI5 Explanation)
Imagine this simple play:
- Looney stands still like a wall (this is the "screen" or "pick")
- Luka’s defender runs into Looney and gets stuck
- Luka now has space to either drive to the basket, shoot, or pass
- Looney rolls to the basket—if Luka passes, Looney gets an easy dunk
Looney wants to learn exactly where Luka likes his screens set so they can be unstoppable together.
Experience Playing With Superstars Helps
Looney spent a decade playing with Stephen Curry, one of the greatest shooters ever.
Why this matters:
- Curry and Dončić are different types of superstars
- But both need teammates who understand spacing, timing, and unselfish play
- Looney already knows how to play off a superstar guard without getting in their way
Championship Experience = Instant Leadership
The Lakers lost LeBron James (4-time champion) this offseason. That’s a lot of "been there, done that" walking out the door.
Looney brings back:
- 3 NBA championships
- Deep playoff runs (he’s played in 6 NBA Finals!)
- Calm under pressure — he’s seen every situation
- Veteran voice in the locker room for younger players
Important Point: At 30, Looney is now the oldest player on the roster. He’ll be the "wise big brother" everyone looks to when games get tight.
A Laker at Heart: "I Was a Big Kobe Guy"
This might be the best news for Lakers fans: Looney grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant.
His exact words:
"I was a big Kobe guy. That’s my favorite player. Kobe was my guy."
Why fans will love this:
- He understands Lakers culture and history
- He respects the standard of excellence Kobe set
- He’s not just here for a paycheck—he wanted to be a Laker
What’s Next? The Lakers Still Need One More Big Man
Looney will likely back up Walker Kessler at center. But the front office knows one veteran isn’t enough for an 82-game season plus playoffs.
Names Being Discussed:
- Nick Richards — Charlotte Hornets center, good rebounder and shot-blocker
- Jalen Smith — Versatile big who can stretch the floor with his shooting
The plan: Add one more center this summer so the Lakers have three reliable bigs (Kessler, Looney, New Guy) to rotate through the grind of the season.
Summary: Why This Signing Makes Sense
| What Looney Brings | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 3 Championships | Knows what it takes to win it all |
| 10 Years with Warriors | Learned from one of the best organizations ever |
| Pick-and-Roll Expert | Perfect partner for Luka’s genius |
| Kobe Fan | Instant connection with fanbase |
| Age 30 / Oldest on Team | Natural leader for young roster |
| Selfless Player | Does the little things that win games |
Bottom line: This isn’t a flashy signing. It’s a smart, championship-caliber move. Looney makes everyone around him better—and he’s thrilled to be a Laker.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. How long is Kevon Looney’s contract with the Lakers?
The article doesn’t specify contract details, but veteran minimum deals for players with 10+ years experience are typically one-year contracts worth around $3.3 million.
2. Will Looney start or come off the bench?
Almost certainly off the bench. Walker Kessler is the projected starter at center. Looney will play 15-20 minutes per game as the primary backup.
3. Can Looney still play at a high level at age 30?
Yes! Centers often peak later than guards. Looney played 70+ games last season for New Orleans and remained effective. His game relies on smarts and positioning, not just athleticism.
4. Why do the Lakers still need another big man if they have Kessler and Looney?
Injuries happen. An 82-game season plus playoffs is a marathon. Three centers allow the Lakers to:
- Rest players strategically
- Match up against different opponent styles
- Survive injuries without collapsing
5. How does Looney’s Kobe fandom affect his fit with the team?
It’s huge for chemistry and fan embrace. Lakers fans are protective of their legends. A player who genuinely reveres Kobe will:
- Earn instant respect in the locker room
- Get standing ovations at Crypto.com Arena
- Understand the pressure and privilege of wearing purple and gold
Want more Lakers updates? Follow the team’s offseason moves as they build around Luka Dončić for the 2026-27 season!
