The Los Angeles Lakers addressed one of their biggest remaining roster needs Tuesday by adding veteran center Kevon Looney, giving the team more stability and experience behind newly acquired starter Walker Kessler.

Looney agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Lakers on Tuesday, according to ESPN.

The signing gives the Lakers a much clearer picture of their center rotation heading into the 2026-27 season.

Kessler is expected to enter the year as the team’s starting center after L.A. acquired the 7-foot-2 big man during the free agency period from the Utah Jazz.

Known for his elite shot-blocking ability and defensive presence, Kessler provides the Lakers with the type of interior anchor they have been searching for since the exit of Anthony Davis.

However, adding Looney gives L.A. a proven backup option capable of handling important minutes when Kessler is off the floor.

Unlike many traditional backup centers, Looney’s value has never been measured by his scoring numbers. Throughout his career, the 30-year-old has made an impact through rebounding, screen setting, and defensive positioning.

Last season, injuries and a young New Orleans frontcourt limited Looney to just 21 games, where he averaged 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 14.7 minutes per game. Despite the limited production, the Lakers are banking on his championship experience and consistency after nearly a decade playing meaningful basketball with the Warriors.

Looney has appeared in 620 career regular-season games, averaging 4.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 57.0% from the field in his career.

The Lakers also have another option at center with newly signed Sandro Mamukelashvili. While the 6-foot-9 forward is not a traditional five, his versatility gives L.A. flexibility to use him at center in a smaller lineup scenario.

Mamukelashvili is coming off a career season with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and shooting 38.9% from 3-point range. His ability to stretch the floor provides a different look compared to Kessler and Looney.

The updated rotation gives the Lakers three frontcourt options with different skill sets.

Kessler provides rim protection and defensive stability as the expected starter, Looney brings championship experience and physicality as the backup, while Mamukelashvili offers offensive versatility as a forward who can slide into small-ball center minutes when needed.

However, L.A. could still look to add another traditional center for additional depth behind Kessler and Looney. While Mamukelashvili provides flexibility, the Lakers currently lack another true five who can handle consistent minutes if injuries impact the position.

Adding Looney does not eliminate every remaining roster need, as L.A. is still expected to explore additional moves, but it addresses one of the biggest questions heading into training camp.

With Kessler leading the group and Looney providing veteran support behind him, the Lakers now have a deeper and more balanced center rotation as they continue building around Luka Dončić.