Lakers center Kevon Looney pulled back the curtain on how his experience alongside Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors is set to elevate his play with Lakers star Luka Dončić. It's a strategic move, folks, and Looney didn't hold back explaining the synergy this veteran big man brings to the table.
The Curry Connection for Dončić's Dominance
Looney, in an interview with Mark Medina of Fadeaway World, broke down the crucial lessons learned from playing with a superstar like Curry. "Guys like Steph and Luka see a lot of different coverages," Looney explained. "As a big man in the pick-and-roll, you have to be ready for all of those different reads. Is he getting blitzed? Are they playing into drop? You're going to see all sorts of different coverages throughout the game. You have to be ready to change your screens and change your angles." He made it clear that his time with Curry prepared him for anything opponents throw at a generational talent. Looney even recalled how they "always doubled" Luka last year, using "tricky schemes" against him. That experience with Curry, a player of "that kind of caliber," means Looney's mind is already set: teams will try to get the ball out of Dončić's hands. He's ready to "make plays out of the pocket," "hold my screens to get Luka open," or "set earlier screens in the back" to make Dončić's job easier. Talk about a veteran bringing the wisdom!A Decade of Championship Pedigree
This isn't some fresh-faced rookie trying to figure things out. Looney signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles as a free agent on Tuesday, but he brings serious hardware. After playing 21 games with the New Orleans Pelicans last season, Looney previously spent ten years on the Warriors, from 2015-25. He bagged three championships during his Golden State tenure, logging tons of minutes alongside Curry. He averaged 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game with the Warriors. And get this: in his final season with the Warriors, the 2024-25 campaign, Looney and Curry owned a plus-2.6 net rating in 613 minutes, according to NBA.com. That's proof of impact right there.Unlocking Luka's Pick-and-Roll Prowess
So what does all this mean for the Lakers? Looney is clearly aiming to forge a similar, high-impact connection with Dončić, especially in those crucial pick-and-roll situations. It's no secret Luka lives in the pick-and-roll; he averaged 10.8 possessions per game as a pick-and-roll ball handler last season, leading the entire league, per NBA.com. With Looney now in the purple and gold, it's a no-brainer to imagine him setting a ton of screens for his new superstar teammate throughout the upcoming 2026-27 season. This duo could be absolutely lethal, making every defense rethink their strategy against the Lakers. The stage is set. Looney's veteran savvy and championship experience with a scoring legend like Steph Curry is now squarely aimed at maximizing Luka Dončić. We're talking about making the league's most prolific pick-and-roll handler even more dangerous. Get ready for a masterclass in screen-setting and playmaking for the 2026-27 season.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.