One of the new players added by the Los Angeles Lakers is three-time NBA champion big man Kevon Looney.
The Lakers signed Looney to a one-year, $3.88 million contract. He will serve as a backup center to Walker Kessler. He also brings a lot of championship experience to the roster.
Looney spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Golden State Warriors. He was part of three championship teams in 2017, 2018 and 2022. He played a huge role in the Warriors’ title run in 2022, starting in 13 out of 22 games.
Kevon Looney’s Message to Los Angeles Lakers Fans
GettyKevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 04, 2025 in New York City.
In a video uploaded by the Los Angeles Lakers on their official YouTube channel, Kevon Looney answered some questions about himself.
Toward the end of the video, Looney had a message to the Lakers and their fanbase on what he could bring to the table.
“Lakers fans can expect a lot from me,” Looney said. “Expect a lot of energy, a lot of hustle, a lot of rebounds. That’s something that I’ve been kind of known for. I want to bring that experience to the Lakers.”
The three-time champ added that he is looking forward to playing with Luka Doncic.
“I’m excited to play alongside Luka,” Looney said. “He’s one of the best players in the league. Got to compete against him all these years, and he’s always a problem to play against. Glad to be on the side this time.”
Looney spent one season with the New Orleans Pelicans after leaving the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2025. He signed a two-year, $16 million contract, but he declined his player option to become a free agent.
The Pelicans primarily used him to mentor Derik Queen and Yves Missi. He played in just 21 games, averaging 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Why Did Kevon Looney Choose the Lakers?
GettyKevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors plays the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at Ball Arena on December 3, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.
Speaking to Mark Medina of Fadeaway World, Kevon Looney explained why he chose to join the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. It was all about proximity, especially after getting married to his longtime girlfriend, Mariah Simone, who is based in Los Angeles.
“I knew I was going to be a free agent,” Looney said. “I looked at the landscape of free agency and where there was an opportunity where I could play. A few teams called looking for a backup big. LA is a place that I come to all the time. I’m here a lot of the times. I got a lot of friends and family. So to have the opportunity to join the Lakers, I couldn’t turn that down.”
Looney and Simone tied the knot back in June after nearly a decade of dating. She’s an entrepreneur, founding the leisure brand MSFIT. She also works as a creative director.
Kevon Looney Makes Confident Los Angeles Lakers Statement