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The Los Angeles Lakers have moved to shore up their frontcourt depth by signing center Lawson Lovering to a two-way deal, a move that highlights the team's concerns behind starting big man Walker Kessler.
Lovering, 23, was not selected in the 2025 NBA Draft and spent the majority of the previous season with the Memphis Grizzlies' G League affiliate. During his time in the G League, he appeared in 13 games and posted averages of 8.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest.
The Grizzlies signed Lovering to a 10-day contract in February, and he saw action in two games for Memphis, starting one. In those two NBA appearances, he averaged seven points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, two steals, and two blocks per game.
At seven feet tall, Lovering gives the Lakers additional size in the paint. He would become the second player on the roster standing at least seven feet, joining Kessler, the team's starting center.
Who Has Been Backing Up Kessler?
Behind Kessler, the Lakers have limited options. Center Kevon Looney and forward Sandro Mamukelashvili have seen most of the minutes at the center position when Kessler is on the bench. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt is also available, but he has yet to play this season despite carrying a $12 million contract.
Kessler is logging 31.5 minutes per game, the third-highest mark on the team behind Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. That workload has raised concerns about overuse, especially after Kessler spent last season sidelined with an injury.
The Lakers' rebounding has suffered due to their lack of depth. They currently rank last in the NBA in total rebounds and have been out-rebounded in half of their games, while allowing the third-most rebounds in the league.
Lovering could offer some relief behind Kessler with his size, and the two-way nature of the deal makes it a low-risk signing for Los Angeles.
He is unlikely to be available for the team's game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. PT, but he could see action in Friday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors if head coach JJ Redick decides to use him.
For now, the Lakers will have to manage with their current roster against the Clippers and will aim to replicate their earlier success against their intracity rivals this season.
Originally reported by yahoo.