Lakers sign veteran center Kevon Looney as they continue pursuit of free agent Jonathan Kuminga

Los Angeles Lakers have reached a one-year agreement with veteran center Kevon Looney, former Golden State teammate of Jonathan Kuminga, for $3.9 million. Looney, who spent a decade with the Warriors and won three championships before playing last season in New Orleans, is expected to serve as a backup after the team traded Deandre Ayton to Washington.

The club continues to target unrestricted free-agent wing Jonathan Kuminga, who became a free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met with Kuminga virtually and presented a role that would give him significant minutes alongside Luka Doncic. Sources say the Lakers have used most of their salary-cap flexibility on recent signings, leaving limited space for a new contract, but they retain one roster spot following the Looney deal.

Lakers officials, including Pelinka, have stayed in contact with Kuminga’s agent Aaron Turner and have reportedly tweaked their offer, emphasizing a potential starting role and the chance to develop with Doncic. Kuminga and his representation have not yet committed, indicating they are exploring other options, such as a sign-and-trade with Atlanta that could preserve his Bird rights.

Atlanta’s general manager Onsi Saleh would need additional incentives to facilitate such a move, and the Lakers could consider trading assets like Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or draft picks to improve their offer. The Cleveland Cavaliers also show interest, citing Kuminga’s familiarity with coach Kenny Atkinson, but they are focused on acquiring LeBron James, leaving the Lakers as the most aggressive pursuer.