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Walker Kessler

Kevon Looney Signs One-Year Deal with Lakers

by Chief Editor July 7, 2026

written by Chief Editor

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran center Kevon Looney to a one-year, $3.9 million contract, according to agent Todd Ramasar as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal secures a veteran backup for the Lakers’ newly acquired center, Walker Kessler, and addresses a critical need for rim protection and rebounding on the roster.

Why the Lakers Targeted Kevon Looney

The Lakers pursued Looney after evaluating the backup center market, which included higher-priced options like Mitchell Robinson. According to reports, Robinson commanded a $15 million annual salary, a price point the Boston Celtics were prepared to meet. By signing Looney at the veteran minimum, the Lakers acquired a proven, championship-level rotation player without committing significant salary cap space.

Did you know?

Kevon Looney is a three-time NBA Champion. His experience with the Golden State Warriors brings a specific pedigree to the Lakers’ locker room, particularly in terms of screen-setting and defensive positioning.

How Looney Fits the Lakers’ Rotation

Looney is expected to serve as the primary backup to Walker Kessler. Head coach JJ Redick’s system may also integrate smaller lineups, potentially utilizing players like Sandro Mamukelashvili to provide additional spacing. Looney’s role will focus on his core strengths: high-level screen-setting, rebounding, and defensive reliability.

Last season, Looney’s role diminished in New Orleans as the Pelicans pivoted toward younger centers like Derik Queen and Yves Missi. He appeared in only 21 games, averaging 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds. The Pelicans ultimately declined his $8 million team option, making him a free agent.

Market Comparison: The Backup Center Landscape

The movement of backup centers this offseason highlights a clear divide in team strategies regarding salary allocation. While the New York Knicks opted to sign Andre Drummond to fill their vacancy, the Lakers chose a more conservative financial route with Looney.

Player	Team Move
Kevon Looney	Signed with Lakers (Veteran Minimum)
Mitchell Robinson	Market value ~$15M (Targeted by Boston)
Andre Drummond	Signed with Knicks

Pro Tip:

Watch how the Lakers utilize Looney in late-game situations. His ability to set effective screens is often more valuable to a team’s offensive efficiency than raw scoring numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Kevon Looney’s contract worth?

Looney signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of $3.9 million.

BREAKING NEWS. LAKERS SIGNS KEVON LOONEY. SMH

Why did the Pelicans move on from Looney?

The Pelicans declined his $8 million team option to prioritize playing time for younger centers on their roster, specifically Derik Queen and Yves Missi.

Who will start at center for the Lakers?

Walker Kessler is expected to anchor the center position, with Looney providing support off the bench.

What are your thoughts on the Lakers’ depth at the center position? Join the conversation in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on NBA free agency.

July 7, 2026 0 comments

Sport

2026 NBA Offseason: Fantasy Basketball Winners and Losers

by Chief Editor July 7, 2026

written by Chief Editor

The 2024 NBA offseason reshuffled fantasy basketball rosters, with high-profile trades and sign-and-trade deals creating significant shifts in player value. Analysts highlight Walker Kessler’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers and Derrick White’s expanded role in Boston as primary factors for managers to monitor. These adjustments, alongside team-wide roster overhauls in Washington and Charlotte, necessitate a recalibration of draft strategy for the upcoming season.

Which players gained the most fantasy value this offseason?

Walker Kessler stands to benefit significantly from his move to the Los Angeles Lakers. Acquired in a sign-and-trade to replace the production lost in the Anthony Davis deal, Kessler fills a void in the paint. Without direct competition for minutes at center, he is projected to provide elite rebounding and shot-blocking. According to analysts, Kessler is a strong candidate for a top-50 fantasy season, with potential averages exceeding 15 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Derrick White’s fantasy outlook in Boston also improved following the trade of Jaylen Brown. Data shows that in 50 games played without Brown since the 2021-22 season, White averaged 18.1 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.6 stocks. With his usage rate expected to jump to 23.5%, White is positioned to serve as the Celtics’ secondary playmaker, making him a viable selection by the fourth round.

Pro Tip: Look for players whose usage rates increase due to roster departures. In fantasy basketball, opportunity is often the single greatest indicator of a breakout season.

How do team overhauls affect fantasy depth?

Major roster changes in Washington and Charlotte have created new opportunities for primary facilitators and scorers. Trae Young, now with the Washington Wizards on a four-year, $212 million contract, is expected to return to 20-point, 10-assist territory. He will lead a young core that includes Alex Sarr and AJ Dybantsa.

In Charlotte, Naz Reid’s situation has improved following the departures of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Reid’s production is historically tied to his time on the floor; when playing at least 30 minutes, he averages 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. As a projected starter, he offers floor-spacing capabilities that could make him an undervalued asset.

Who are the biggest fantasy losers this offseason?

Several veterans have seen their fantasy value decline due to trades or roster crowding. DeMar DeRozan, currently a free agent after being waived by the Sacramento Kings, faces uncertainty regarding his role and team fit at age 36. Similarly, Tobias Harris has moved to a San Antonio Spurs lineup already crowded with high-usage players like Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, likely capping his scoring potential.

Walker Kessler trade is a 'massive deal' for Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz | NBA on NBC

Other players facing a reduction in fantasy appeal include:

VJ Edgecombe: The addition of Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia narrows his path to a usage increase.
Kevin Porter Jr.: A crowded backcourt in Milwaukee, featuring Tyler Herro and Kasparas Jakučionis, suggests a reserve role.
Deandre Ayton: Playing behind Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr in Washington limits his ceiling.
Anfernee Simons: A move to a bench role in Philadelphia will likely restrict his playing time.

Did you know? Day’Ron Sharpe ranked 38th overall in fantasy points per minute (FPPM) last season, outperforming established stars like Jamal Murray and Pascal Siakam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I draft Brandon Ingram higher than his current ADP?

Ingram is a prime candidate to outperform his 60-70 draft slot. With the Clippers lacking offensive firepower outside of him and Darius Garland, he is set to take on a primary scoring role.

Is Keegan Murray a bounce-back candidate?

Yes. The waiver of DeMar DeRozan in Sacramento opens up more touches for Murray. He is considered a strong target for 9-cat leagues, with an anticipated ADP in the 110-120 range.

Why is Day’Ron Sharpe considered a sleeper?

With Nic Claxton traded to Chicago, Sharpe is expected to assume the starting center role in Brooklyn. His high efficiency in limited minutes suggests he could provide significant value if his playing time increases.

Which players are you targeting in your upcoming drafts? Join the conversation in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly fantasy updates.

July 7, 2026 0 comments

Sport

Jazz Reporter Praises New Lakers Center Walker Kessler

by Chief Editor July 6, 2026

written by Chief Editor

The Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of center Walker Kessler has sparked debate regarding the long-term cost of the trade. By sending two first-round picks (2031 and 2033) and two first-round pick swaps to the Utah Jazz, the Lakers have committed to a four-year, $130 million contract for the defensive specialist. While critics argue the price is steep, supporters contend Kessler’s rim protection provides a foundational defensive identity the roster previously lacked.

Why Experts View Kessler as a Defensive Anchor

Tony Jones, who covers the Utah Jazz and the Philadelphia 76ers for The Athletic, suggests that the Lakers’ investment may be justified by Kessler’s unique defensive ceiling. During an appearance on ESPN 710 L.A. radio, Jones compared Kessler’s potential impact to that of Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year.

“I think he can be another Rudy Gobert,” Jones stated. According to Jones, Kessler is “good enough defensively that he can be a walking top-10 defense.” He further noted that Kessler possesses the specific skill set required to eventually contend for a Defensive Player of the Year award.

Did you know?

Walker Kessler has maintained career averages of 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while averaging just 25.3 minutes of floor time.

How Rim Protection Transforms Perimeter Defense

The addition of an elite shot-blocker often creates a ripple effect throughout a team’s defensive scheme. When a team features a reliable presence at the rim, perimeter defenders are empowered to play more aggressively. This allows players to gamble in passing lanes and trap ball-handlers with the confidence that the interior is protected.

Last season, the Lakers finished 20th in the league in defensive rating. While team success depends on multiple factors, the presence of a traditional backbone like Kessler provides the coaching staff with the personnel to build a more cohesive defensive philosophy. By funneling drives toward the basket, the Lakers can mitigate the impact of perimeter defensive lapses that plagued the team throughout the previous campaign.

The Statistical Reality vs. The Eye Test

While basic box score statistics highlight Kessler’s rebounding and block totals, analysts argue these figures understate his total value. Advanced metrics often capture the “gravity” a rim protector exerts, forcing opponents to alter their shot trajectories or avoid the paint entirely.

Pro Tip:

When evaluating defensive centers, look beyond block totals. Watch how often opponents pass out of the paint when a rim protector is in the vicinity—that “deterrence” factor is often more valuable than the blocks themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the Lakers give up to acquire Walker Kessler?

The Lakers traded first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033, along with two first-round pick swaps, to the Utah Jazz.

Walker Kessler trade is a 'massive deal' for Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz | NBA on NBC

What is the value of Kessler’s current contract?

Kessler is signed to a four-year, $130 million contract.

How does Kessler’s defense affect the rest of the team?

According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Kessler’s presence allows perimeter defenders to take more risks, such as trapping or jumping passing lanes, because they have a reliable anchor at the rim.

What are your thoughts on the Lakers’ defensive outlook for the upcoming season? Join the conversation in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more roster analysis.

July 6, 2026 0 comments

Sport

2026 NBA Free Agency: Lakers Trade for Kessler, Brown Heads to 76ers, LeBron Future Uncertain

by Chief Editor July 4, 2026

written by Chief Editor

The 2026 NBA offseason has triggered a historic shift in league power, headlined by LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers and a series of blockbuster trades involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, and Ja Morant. According to reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania and other league insiders, these moves have fundamentally restructured team depth charts and salary cap outlooks across the association.

How has the LeBron James departure altered the Lakers’ strategy?

LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he intends to play elsewhere for the 2026-27 season, prompting the franchise to pivot toward a rapid roster overhaul. Following the news, the Lakers executed a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz to acquire center Walker Kessler, providing the team with new financial flexibility, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Subsequently, the Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. This flurry of activity marks a clear departure from the team’s previous roster construction.

Pro Tip: When tracking team moves, monitor the use of “trade exceptions.” For instance, the Houston Rockets gained a $13 million trade exception following the move of an undisclosed veteran, which provides them additional maneuverability in future salary cap negotiations.

Which teams are potential landing spots for LeBron James?

LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, identified several franchises as potential fits for the 41-year-old superstar during an appearance on the “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman. Paul utilized a whiteboard to highlight the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics as primary targets. Other teams mentioned in the discussion included the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Mavericks. While these disclosures reflect Paul’s strategy to showcase his client’s marketability, they provide a clear map of the organizations currently positioning themselves to accommodate a high-profile free agent.

What were the most significant trade deadline moves?

The offseason was defined by high-profile swaps that moved franchise cornerstones. The most notable transactions reported include:

Mavs REVEALED As Possible LeBron James Destination In 2026 NBA Free Agency by Rich Paul! Mavs Rumors

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Traded to the Miami Heat immediately preceding the 2026 NBA Draft.
Jaylen Brown: Dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster trade for Paul George.
LaMelo Ball: Traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Ja Morant: Moved from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kawhi Leonard: Set to return to the Toronto Raptors via a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to reports.

How are teams filling out their rosters in free agency?

Beyond the headline-grabbing trades, teams have focused on veteran depth and developmental talent. The Boston Celtics added Mitchell Robinson to their frontcourt, while the Detroit Pistons reached an agreement with John Collins. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks secured veteran center Andre Drummond on a one-year, $3.9 million deal to replace Robinson, per Shams Charania. The Minnesota Timberwolves brought in forward Trey Lyles on a one-year contract, and the Utah Jazz signed Josh Okogie to a two-year, $12 million deal.

Did you know? Kyle Lowry, who played 20 seasons in the NBA, is reportedly set to sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Toronto Raptors, the team with which he won the 2019 NBA championship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new head assistant for the San Antonio Spurs?

Former Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has agreed to join Mitch Johnson’s staff as the lead assistant, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

What happened to Caleb Love after his rookie season?

Following his rookie year with the Portland Trail Blazers, Caleb Love is moving to the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-way contract, per Shams Charania.

Are the Oklahoma City Thunder retaining Kenrich Williams?

Yes, Kenrich Williams has agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract to return to the Thunder after the team initially declined his $7.5 million option.

Stay updated on the latest roster shifts by checking our Free Agency Big Board and position rankings. Have thoughts on the Lakers’ new direction? Share your take in the comments below.

July 4, 2026 0 comments