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The Los Angeles Lakers are deliberating over the role of veteran center Kevon Looney, who was signed to a one-year veteran minimum contract during the 2025-26 free agency period. The 6-foot-9 big man, a three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors over eleven seasons, was brought in to provide depth and leadership behind newly acquired starter Walker Kessler. However, recent performance metrics have raised doubts about his ability to consistently contribute.
Looney's brief tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans was marked by statistical struggles. In 21 games, he averaged 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 14.7 minutes per contest, shooting 41.7% from the field and a career-low 62.5% from inside the paint. During stretches where he played more than three consecutive games, the Pelicans were outscored by 65 points over his 98 minutes on the floor, culminating in a net rating of -8.1. Advanced metrics such as VORP placed him at replacement level.
Key Analysis
Head coach JJ Redick has mentioned Looney in training camp briefings, indicating he could see minutes behind Kessler. Yet, analysts are divided on whether Looney can reliably fill the backup center role for a contender. Some point to his strengths—rebounding, screen-setting, and championship experience—as valuable assets, especially for mentoring younger players. Others caution that his recent decline, typical for big men nearing 31, may hinder his effectiveness in a rotation that demands consistent interior defense and floor spacing.
With Kessler returning from injury and the team's salary cap situation tight, the Lakers' front office may need to explore the trade market or free agency to acquire a more dependable backcourt anchor. Keeping Looney as a deep reserve and mentor while adding a younger, more mobile big man or a defensive specialist via trade could better align the roster with the competitive expectations set by the Lakers' recent acquisitions.
Originally reported by headtopics.