The Los Angeles Lakers went all in on shaking things up this offseason, bringing in seven new faces to chase a more versatile, athletic, and younger roster. Six of those new guys, excluding rookies and two-way players, clock in with a collective age of 26.3 years old, perfectly aligning with their 27-year-old superstar, Luka Dončić. Then there’s Kevon Looney, who at 30 years old, is the sole outlier in the group and the undeniable elder statesman.
The Unexpected Elder Statesman
Thirty years old isn’t ancient, not by a long shot, but Looney immediately stands apart from the Lakers’ new crop. He’s already got 11 seasons under his belt, and the mileage on his odometer is way higher than his new teammates, thanks to all those postseason minutes he logged with the Golden State Warriors. This isn’t just a casual addition, either. Looney’s presence, especially his age and extensive history, feels like a curveball in a team strategy that has otherwise swung hard toward youth and fresh legs. The question isn’t just if he’s good, it’s if he fits the new vision.
Not Just a Bench Warmer Anymore
Here’s the kicker: Looney isn’t just a veteran presence to chew up some minutes. The Lakers actually *need* him to contribute. With their heavy investment in Walker Kessler staying healthy and productive, plus Jaxson Hayes out the door, there’s a real backup center void. Looney has to be more than a harmless bench add. His ability to step up and deliver is one of the more underrated storylines heading into this season, and it could seriously impact how well this retooled Lakers squad performs.
The Big Question: Decline or Motivation?
So, what’s his best-case scenario? A lot hinges on what you make of his last season with the New Orleans Pelicans. He only appeared in 21 games, a result of injuries and the Pelicans simply shifting to a younger rotation. When he did play, Looney looked noticeably limited. Was that a sign of an honest-to-goodness steep decline for a player with so much mileage? Or was it a lack of motivation on a team that felt aimless? If it was the latter, the Lakers might have a steal. Looney still brings a valuable skillset: he’s incredibly nuanced in a 5-out, free-flowing offense from his Warriors days, which is exactly the kind of alignment head coach JJ Redick has used. Plus, he’s an excellent screener. If his previous drop-off was all about motivation, he absolutely can shore up that backup center spot.
The Lakers’ next game against the Clippers will be a test, but the bigger picture for Looney remains. Can he shake off last season and prove that his veteran smarts and specific skills are exactly what this new, young Lakers team needs?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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