In a shocking development in the NBA free agency market, Kevon Looney, a three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, is reportedly set to join the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming free agency period. This move could be the key to solving the Lakers’ persistent issues, particularly at the center position, following a disappointing season that saw them exit in the first round of the 2025 playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Lakers’ Center Conundrum
Since winning the NBA championship in 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to find reliable role players to complement their superstar duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic (acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024-25 season). The center position has been a glaring weakness, especially when facing teams with elite big men like Rudy Gobert of the Timberwolves. The Lakers’ 1-4 loss to Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs exposed the lack of a quality center, with Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len failing to meet expectations.
Kevon Looney, with 10 years of NBA experience and three championships with the Warriors (2015, 2017, 2018), is seen as the perfect fit to fill this gap. His defensive reliability, effective rebounding, and experience in high-stakes games could provide the stability the Lakers desperately need.
Looney’s Diminishing Role with the Warriors
At Golden State, Looney was once a cornerstone at the center position under coach Steve Kerr, particularly during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons when he was a regular starter. However, the emergence of young center Quinten Post and the decision to shift Draymond Green to the center role have significantly reduced Looney’s playing time. With the additions of Buddy Hield and Jimmy Butler to the roster, Looney has become the second or third option at center, casting doubt on his future with the Warriors.
Looney’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and given his current situation, the likelihood of him leaving Golden State is high. Joining the Lakers would not only offer him more playing time but also mark a meaningful return to Los Angeles, where he played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins in the 2014-15 season.
Looney’s Potential Impact on the Lakers
If this move materializes, Looney would bring stability to both ends of the court for the Lakers. His defensive prowess would alleviate pressure on Luka Doncic, who has faced criticism for his defensive limitations, while also supporting LeBron James in maintaining strength in the paint. Additionally, Looney’s playoff experience, highlighted by his three championships, could be a critical factor in improving the Lakers’ performance in high-pressure games.
Head coach JJ Redick, who led the Lakers to 50 regular-season wins in 2024-25 but struggled to adjust tactically in the playoffs, is expected to maximize Looney’s experience and versatility. Many experts believe that with Looney in the lineup, the Lakers could become legitimate championship contenders, especially with the star power of LeBron James and Luka Doncic already in place.
Reactions from Fans and Analysts
News of Looney’s potential move to the Lakers has sparked a frenzy on social media platforms. Lakers fans are thrilled at the prospect of finally securing a reliable center, while Warriors fans lament the potential loss of a key contributor to their championship runs. Analysts, such as former player Mychal Thompson, who once compared coach JJ Redick to legendary coach Pat Riley, believe that signing Looney would be a strategic move to restore the Lakers’ dominance in the Western Conference.
Conclusion
Kevon Looney’s departure from the Warriors to join the Lakers is not just a potential transfer but could be a turning point for both franchises. For the Lakers, it’s an opportunity to end their struggles at the center position and build a more balanced roster. For the Warriors, it poses the challenge of replacing a seasoned veteran like Looney. The 2025-26 NBA season promises significant changes, and this move could be one of the most noteworthy developments.