Lakers’ Surge into the 2025 All-Star Weekend
The Los Angeles Lakers are basking in the glow of a remarkable run, having won 10 of their last 12 games during the 2025 All-Star Weekend. The addition of ex-Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić via a high-profile trade on February 1 has only added to the team’s palpable momentum. Currently holding a record of 32-20, the Lakers have secured the No. 4 seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. Despite the success, questions still loom over the team’s center rotation, a position that has seen its share of upheaval this season.
The Center Dilemma and Alex Len’s Short-Term Role
Following the rescinded trade that would have brought in Charlotte Hornets’ center Mark Williams, the Lakers turned to the buyout market, signing veteran center Alex Len. With 12 years of NBA experience, Len was seen as an immediate solution, but his long-term fit with the team remains uncertain. Len’s presence is vital for now, but the Lakers are keenly aware that they need a more sustainable solution for the center position, especially as they look to solidify their lineup for the 2025-26 season and beyond.
Rob Pelinka’s Aggressive Pursuit for a Championship-Caliber Center
General Manager Rob Pelinka is not one to shy away from bold moves, and the 2025 offseason could see him making a significant splash. One name that has piqued the interest of the Lakers is Kevon Looney, a player with championship DNA and exceptional rebounding skills. At 29 years old and entering unrestricted free agency this summer, Looney is expected to draw interest from multiple teams. However, the Lakers may be the most aggressive in their pursuit, given their immediate need for a reliable big man with playoff experience.
Kevon Looney: The Ideal Fit for the Lakers
Looney, drafted 30th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, has become an indispensable part of three championship-winning Warrior teams over the past decade. His contributions in the 2022 NBA Playoffs were particularly notable, averaging 5.8 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting an impressive 63.8% from the field. This season, in just 16.1 minutes per game, Looney has been a consistent presence for Golden State, contributing 5.0 points and 6.9 rebounds as the team fights to secure a playoff spot.
The Lakers’ Previous Interest in Looney and Gary Payton II
The Lakers’ interest in Looney is not new. Prior to the trade deadline on February 6, the team was reportedly considering both Looney and Golden State’s skilled perimeter defender and athletic dunker, Gary Payton II. The prospect of adding Looney to their roster is justified by his proven track record in high-pressure situations and his seasoned experience. As a veteran, Looney would bring a level of respect and leadership to the Lakers, especially in the critical role of setting screens and rolling to the basket, skills he honed playing alongside four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry.
A Strategic Addition for the Title Push
If the Lakers manage to acquire Looney, they would gain an incredibly reliable and experienced player who could seamlessly integrate into their system. Looney’s mastery of two-man actions and his ability to facilitate plays as a roller would be invaluable, particularly in helping Luka Dončić and LeBron James orchestrate their championship aspirations. With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the Lakers are positioning themselves to make a strong title push, and Looney’s addition could be the missing piece that propels them to the top of the Western Conference.
