After years of being targeted by Luka Dončić, Kevon Looney is relieved to have the Lakers star creating opportunities for him instead.
Kevon Looney has spent plenty of time experiencing the problems Luka Dončić creates for opposing defenses, especially when the five-time All-NBA guard forces a big man onto him.
Now that Looney has joined the Los Angeles Lakers, the veteran center can finally stop worrying about defending Dončić and begin learning how to complement him.
“Playing against him sucks, especially being a big man,” Looney said during an appearance on “Mason & Ireland” on ESPN LA Radio. “You’re in a lot of pick-and-rolls, you’re getting iso’d, he picks on people and you gotta guard him one-on-one. He’s probably the toughest guy to guard one-on-one in the league.”
Looney knows the challenge of guarding Dončić
Looney faced Dončić several times during his 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, including in the 2022 Western Conference Finals. The Warriors eliminated Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks in five games on their way to winning the NBA championship.
That series required Looney and Golden State’s other defenders to navigate Dončić’s patient approach in the pick-and-roll. Dončić possesses the size and footwork to punish switches while also manipulating defenders to create shots for his teammates.
Looney faced him again after Dončić was traded to L.A. in February 2025. Although Looney has built his career on defense, rebounding and physical play, Dončić represents a particularly difficult matchup because of his ability to control defenders at his own pace.
Looney is happy to leave that assignment behind.
“I’m excited to be on his team, be able to learn from him, be able to play pick-and-roll with him,” Looney said. “He’s probably the best pick-and-roll player in the league, so being able to learn how he wants me to set screens and different things like that, I’m excited about it.”
A new role in the Lakers’ frontcourt
The Lakers signed Looney to a one-year, $3.9 million contract as part of their frontcourt overhaul. He is expected to provide depth behind Walker Kessler, whom L.A. acquired from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade.
Looney appeared in only 21 games for the New Orleans Pelicans last season, averaging 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists. He has averaged 4.9 points and 5.7 rebounds across 620 career games.
His value, however, extends beyond his scoring. The three-time champion brings postseason experience, offensive rebounding, being a good screener and a willingness to handle physical assignments on opposing big men.
Looney’s screening could also make him a useful partner for Dončić. He spent much of his Warriors career creating space for Stephen Curry and now must learn Dončić’s preferences as the ballhandler.
“He’s one of the best guys in the league, and it makes my life a lot easier playing with him,” Looney said. “So I’m super excited.”
Looney no longer has to survive on an island against Dončić. His responsibility now is helping the Lakers ensure opposing centers face that same uncomfortable challenge.
