Kevon Looney’s time in New Orleans didn’t last long, and neither did his time on the free agent market. The veteran center already has a new home.
Looney agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Todd Ramasar, CEO of Life Sports Agency. Shams Charania broke the news. The deal gives the Lakers a physical big man to add depth behind Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes.
From New Orleans to L.A. in a hurry
The Pelicans had an $8 million team option on Looney for next season, but they weren’t picking it up. That was expected. New Orleans is in reset mode again, and Looney had become an afterthought in their rotation. He averaged just 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in limited minutes, buried behind Zion Williamson and rookie Derik Queen. The two-year, $16 million deal he signed in July 2025 turned into a forgettable footnote.
But the Lakers saw a chance to add a proven winner. Looney won three championships with the Warriors. He knows how to set screens, rebound, and defend without needing the ball. That matters on a team built around LeBron James and Davis.
The Lakers had competition. The Knicks were pushing hard for Looney, hoping to replace Mitchell Robinson after his departure. New York coach Mike Brown had history with Looney from their Warriors days, and the Knicks thought that connection would seal it. Instead, Looney chose L.A., leaving the reigning champions scrambling for frontcourt help.
That’s a problem for the Knicks. They won a title, but the roster isn’t intact. Losing out on Looney stings. Boston is lurking too, sniffing around the center market after their own frontcourt issues. The Celtics reportedly targeted Looney and former Celtic Robert Williams III, but they’ll need to pivot now.
A low-risk move for the Lakers
For L.A., this is cheap and easy. A veteran minimum for a center who knows his role. Looney isn’t flashy, but he’s durable and smart. The Lakers need that kind of steadiness after a season where their depth was tested constantly. If Looney gives them 15 solid minutes a night, it’s a win. And if he doesn’t work out? It’s one year at under $4 million. No harm done.
The Knicks will move on. The Celtics will keep hunting. But right now, the Lakers just got a little tougher inside, and they did it without giving up anything except some cap space.
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