Kevon Looney, the 30-year-old veteran big man, officially inked his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, locking him in for one year and a cool $3.9 million. Seriously, $3.9 million for a guy with three rings? That's not just another ho-hum bench signing, folks. This is a move that screams volumes about what the Purple and Gold are trying to build out in Hollywood, even if a championship parade isn't exactly a sure thing for this upcoming season.
L.A.'s Smart Play For Depth
Think about it: the Lakers just made a huge trade for Walker Kessler, the prominent center they've been craving. You'd think they'd be set, right? Nah, they went straight to work filling out the rest of that roster. They knew they needed a true backup center, someone who could step in and make an impact without breaking the bank. That's exactly where Looney fits in. He agreed to the deal last week, and now it's official, he's rocking No. 55 for L.A. Getting a proven winner like Looney, a guy who spent a decade grinding with the Warriors, for just $3.9 million? That's what you call a savvy pickup. It shows the Lakers are serious about getting competitive, building a squad that can actually hang. You gotta respect that kind of strategic thinking.The Looney Skill Set: Defence and Rings
Let's talk about what Looney actually brings to the court, because it's not always about the flashy dunks or the 30-point nights. The man’s game is pure grit, defense, and rebounding. His career average? A solid 5.7 boards in just 17.1 minutes a game. That means he's hitting the glass hard every single time he steps on the floor. He's 6-foot-9 and 222 pounds, so yeah, he might be "somewhat undersized" for a traditional five spot. But trust me, this dude plays way bigger than his literal size. He isn't an offensive threat, and he's not swatting every shot, but what he *is* is a fantastic defender. He can guard both big men and wings, a seriously valuable skill in today's fast-paced league. Oh, and did I mention he's got three NBA championships under his belt? Yeah, three rings from his ten seasons with the Golden State Warriors, who snagged him with the No. 30 pick in the 2015 draft. He even played college ball at UCLA and he’s first cousins with Nick Young, who spent four seasons with the Lakers. How cool is that connection?L.A.'s Ambition: Competitive, But Not There Yet
So, what's the real vibe for the Lakers' upcoming season? The squad they've assembled with the Kessler trade and now this Looney signing? It's definitely intriguing. They should be competitive, no doubt about it. But let's keep it real: the source says they "may not contend for the NBA championship this coming season." That's a crucial detail, right? This isn't just about making a run for the title *right now*. This feels more like a long game, putting the right pieces in place. Looney brings that veteran presence, championship experience, and that much-needed defensive anchor off the bench. It's a foundational move, building blocks that could absolutely serve as the beginnings of a championship team down the road. It’s an investment in the future, even if the present title isn’t locked up. Get ready for an interesting ride, L.A.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.