The Lakers and free agent center Kevon Looney have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, agent Todd Ramasar tells Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
According to Charania, the deal will be worth $3.9MM, which indicates it’s a minimum-salary agreement. Looney will earn roughly $3.88MM, while the Lakers take on a cap hit of about $2.45MM.
After spending 10 seasons in Golden State from 2015-25, Looney signed a two-year, $16MM deal with the Pelicans last summer. He ended up playing a very limited role in New Orleans, however, averaging 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 14.7 minutes per game across just 21 outings (eight starts). A rebuilding Pelicans team chose to give most of the playing time at the five to youngsters Derik Queen and Yves Missi, then declined its $8MM option on Looney for the 2026/27 season.
Still, Looney is only 30 years old and established himself during his time with the Warriors as a reliable rebounder and screen setter, as well as a positive locker room presence.
When he became an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Looney emerged as a target for multiple potential playoff teams seeking a low-cost backup. In addition to the Lakers, the Knicks and Celtics were said to have interest in the veteran big man. New York has since signed Andre Drummond, while Boston ended up spending bigger on Mitchell Robinson.
Los Angeles has made some major changes at their center position this offseason. Jaxson Hayes left for Utah as a free agent and Deandre Ayton is being traded to Washington as the club prepares to bring in Walker Kessler as its starting center of the present and future. Looney could be Kessler’s primary backup in 2026/27 if the Lakers plan to use Sandro Mamukelashvili primarily at the four, though it remains possible they’ll add more depth in the middle.
Looney’s deal will be finalized after the Lakers officially complete their additions of Kessler, Mamukelashvili, and Quentin Grimes, since those moves will use cap room. No cap space will be necessary to sign Looney, who will be brought in using the minimum salary exception.
