Kevon Looney Shares How Stephen Curry Shaped His Lakers Role

The Los Angeles Lakers added another experienced frontcourt player during the 2026 NBA free agency period by signing Kevon Looney to a one-year, $3.9 million contract. The move marked the beginning of a new chapter for the veteran center, who spent most of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors before a brief stint with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The signing came during one of the busiest weeks of Looney’s life. Just days after agreeing to join the Lakers, the veteran big man married his longtime fiancée in Santa Barbara, California. The timing brought personal and professional milestones together, allowing the next phase of both his career and personal life to begin in Southern California.

During a wide-ranging interview with Fadeaway World, Looney discussed his decision to join the Lakers, the opportunity to play alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, lessons learned from playing with Stephen Curry, his offseason preparation, and why offensive rebounding remains one of the defining parts of his game.

A New Opportunity in Los Angeles

Instagram | looney | Looney chose the Lakers for their championship talent and legendary history.

Free agency presented several possibilities, but the Lakers quickly stood out as one of the most appealing destinations for the veteran center. Los Angeles already felt familiar after years of offseason training in the city, while friends and family also made the transition easier.

Looney explained that several teams searched for experienced backup centers during free agency. The Lakers’ combination of championship expectations, talented teammates, and the chance to compete for another historic franchise made the decision an easy one.

The move also arrived at the perfect time personally. The wedding took place in Santa Barbara, where the bride’s family is based, making the celebration even more meaningful after the contract was finalized.

Looney described the week as stressful before free agency concluded. Entering the wedding without knowing where the next season would begin created uncertainty. Once the agreement with Los Angeles became official, that pressure disappeared, allowing the celebrations to focus entirely on family and the future.

Playing for One of Basketball’s Biggest Franchises

Joining the Lakers means stepping into one of the NBA’s most recognized organizations. Throughout his career, Looney experienced firsthand how passionate Lakers supporters remain regardless of location or season.

The veteran center pointed to packed crowds across the league, including road games where Lakers fans often outnumbered home supporters. Summer League in Las Vegas also stood out as another example of the team’s massive following.

Growing up in Milwaukee, Looney supported the Lakers before entering the NBA. That early connection adds another layer to the opportunity, especially after spending one college season at UCLA during the 2014-15 campaign.

According to Looney, Lakers supporters consistently expect winning basketball and remain committed to the franchise through every season, making the opportunity especially meaningful.

Why Luka Dončić Changes Everything

Much of the excitement surrounding the signing centers on the opportunity to share the floor with Luka Dončić, one of the league’s premier playmakers.

Looney believes Dončić’s passing ability naturally creates scoring chances for teammates. His vision in pick-and-roll situations forces defenses into difficult decisions, leaving room for centers to finish around the basket.

Rather than focusing on scoring, Looney expects his biggest contributions to come through physical screens, offensive rebounding, rim runs, and creating extra possessions.

He also emphasized the importance of studying film before training camp begins. Learning Dončić’s tendencies, favorite screen angles, and preferred spacing should help establish chemistry early in the season.

Building Chemistry With Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves also figures prominently in the Lakers’ offensive system, giving Looney another skilled guard capable of benefiting from strong screen-setting.

The veteran center explained that both Dončić and Reaves thrive with well-timed screens, whether on or off the ball. Holding screens long enough to create separation often gives elite guards the extra space needed to attack defenders or create open jump shots.

Screen setting remains one of Looney’s strongest skills. Creating favorable angles and reducing defensive pressure allows ball handlers to operate more comfortably while opening passing lanes for easy finishes near the rim.

Although Looney had not yet trained with either Dončić or Reaves because wedding preparations occupied most of his schedule, he expressed enthusiasm about beginning those conversations once basketball activities resume.

Instagram | @lukadoncic | Kevon Looney looks forward to building strong chemistry with Luka Dončić by learning his style and supporting the Lakers on both ends of the court.

Lessons Learned From Stephen Curry

One of the most interesting parts of Looney’s transition involves applying years of experience playing alongside Stephen Curry.

Few players in NBA history attract as much defensive attention as Curry. Opposing teams frequently trapped him, blitzed pick-and-roll actions, switched defenders, or used multiple coverages simply to force the ball out of his hands.

Looney believes those experiences prepared him well for playing with Dončić.

According to Looney, elite guards constantly force defenses to adjust throughout games. That requires big men to recognize defensive coverages immediately and react without hesitation.

Instead of setting identical screens every possession, angles often change depending on whether defenders trap, switch, hedge, or drop into the paint. Reading those situations quickly creates scoring opportunities that are not always reflected in the box score.

Looney explained that Golden State regularly faced aggressive defensive schemes because of Curry’s presence. Facing similar attention alongside Dončić should feel familiar.

He expects to contribute by adjusting screen positions, making smart decisions after receiving passes in the middle of the floor, and helping Dončić regain space whenever defenses attempt to pressure him.

Adjusting to Luka’s Style

Despite the similarities between Curry and Dončić, Looney acknowledged that every elite guard plays differently.

Building chemistry requires understanding each player’s individual preferences rather than assuming every pick-and-roll works the same way.

Some guards prefer quick dives to the basket. Others favor short rolls, while some expect big men to space the floor after contact.

Looney plans to spend time asking questions, watching film, and learning exactly how Dončić wants each possession executed. That willingness to adapt has become one of the veteran center’s strengths throughout his career.

Instead of forcing a preferred style, the goal centers on fitting naturally into the offensive system while making life easier for teammates.

Potential Frontcourt Pairing With Walker Kessler

Looney also discussed the possibility of sharing frontcourt minutes with Walker Kessler.

He praised Kessler’s ability to protect the rim, contest shots, finish lob opportunities, and stretch defenses by stepping outside when needed.

Facing Kessler as an opponent left a lasting impression because of the young center’s shot-blocking instincts and defensive presence.

Looney believes their skill sets could complement each other effectively.

While Kessler anchors the paint, Looney’s versatility allows him to switch onto multiple positions, defend forwards and centers, and provide additional physicality on the glass. He also welcomed the chance to exchange knowledge with one of the league’s younger interior defenders while continuing to develop his own game.

Healthy Again After a Difficult Season

Looney appeared in only 21 games with the New Orleans Pelicans during the previous season, leading many observers to question his health.

The veteran center clarified that the limited playing time stemmed largely from team circumstances rather than ongoing physical setbacks.

A left knee injury during training camp interrupted the start of the season. After completing rehabilitation, Looney said he remained healthy for most of the year. With New Orleans prioritizing younger players, opportunities became limited despite feeling physically ready to compete.

Because of the reduced workload, less stress accumulated on his body throughout the season.

Looney stated that his hips, knees, and overall conditioning currently feel strong after taking rehabilitation seriously and allowing enough time for full recovery.

Offseason Focus Before Training Camp

Preparation for the upcoming season began months before free agency officially ended.

Since April, Looney has trained regularly in Los Angeles, continuing a routine established during previous offseasons after attending UCLA.

Current workouts focus heavily on conditioning, mobility, cardiovascular fitness, and overall body maintenance before basketball-specific adjustments begin.

Once discussions with Lakers head coach JJ Redick take place, training sessions will shift toward the team’s offensive system and the specific responsibilities expected from the veteran center.

For now, the emphasis remains on entering training camp in peak condition while building the physical foundation needed for a long NBA season.

Muay Thai and Yoga Shape the Routine

Instagram | looney | Looney added Muay Thai and yoga to his basketball offseason for better mobility and balance.

Basketball remains the priority, but Looney has expanded his offseason training by adding Muay Thai and yoga to his daily schedule. The combination focuses on mobility, balance, flexibility, and body control rather than simply building strength.

Most mornings begin with about an hour of yoga centered on hip stability, core strength, and movement patterns. During the NBA season, similar sessions help prepare for game days. The offseason version becomes more demanding, allowing extra time to improve flexibility and reduce physical stress before training camp.

Muay Thai has become another important part of the routine. Pad work, kicking drills, and rotational movements help increase hip mobility while introducing different athletic movements that are rarely used during basketball practice. Training alongside amateur fighters has also added a competitive element while exposing Looney to a different style of conditioning.

The goal extends beyond learning a new sport. The workouts are designed to improve movement, reaction time, and durability over the course of a long NBA season.

A Bigger Role in the Lakers’ Offense

Limited playing time with the Pelicans reduced Looney’s offensive opportunities, but he expects a different experience in Los Angeles.

Playing alongside creators such as Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Quinten Grimes, and Collin Sexton should naturally produce more chances around the basket. Guards who attract multiple defenders often leave open space for rolling big men, offensive rebounders, and cutters.

Looney believes his responsibilities will revolve around setting quality screens, making quick decisions after receiving passes in the middle of the floor, and staying active near the rim.

The veteran center also plans to work closely with head coach JJ Redick to understand exactly how the coaching staff wants him to fit into the Lakers’ offensive system. That preparation should help maximize his role while complementing the team’s primary scorers.

Why Offensive Rebounding Is His Calling Card

Among all the skills Looney has developed during his career, offensive rebounding remains the one he values most.

He considers it a skill built through preparation rather than athletic ability alone. While many fans focus on vertical leap or speed, Looney credits anticipation, timing, positioning, and repeated practice for his success.

According to Looney, offensive rebounding requires studying teammates’ shooting tendencies and understanding where missed shots are most likely to land. Film sessions help identify patterns, while specialized drills reinforce positioning and reaction speed.

Golden State’s coaching staff also emphasized rebounding angles and body placement throughout his career. Those lessons became part of a detailed approach that treats offensive rebounding as a technical skill instead of relying on instinct alone.

Looney even referenced comments previously shared by Steven Adams about the science behind offensive rebounding, noting that many of the same concepts apply to his own preparation. At the same time, he joked that not every training secret should become public knowledge.

One Game That Still Stands Out

When discussing memorable performances, Looney highlighted Game 7 of the Warriors’ first-round playoff series against the Sacramento Kings in 2023.

Stephen Curry delivered an unforgettable 50-point performance, but Looney’s 20 rebounds also played a major role in Golden State’s victory.

Former Kings head coach Mike Brown later suggested that Sacramento may have won the series if not for Looney’s dominance on the boards.

Receiving that praise carried special meaning because Brown had previously coached Looney in Golden State. Even with Curry producing one of the greatest Game 7 scoring performances in NBA history, Looney viewed the rebounding performance as one of the defining moments of his own career.

The Energy of Lakers Fans

Looney has spent years competing against the Lakers, giving him plenty of opportunities to experience one of basketball’s largest fan bases.

Road games rarely feel like traditional home-court environments when Los Angeles is involved. Lakers supporters regularly fill arenas across the league, including games in New Orleans, where Looney played last season.

Summer League in Las Vegas offers another example. Every year, large crowds wearing Lakers colors create an atmosphere that closely resembles a home game despite the neutral location.

Those experiences reinforced the global reach of the franchise long before Looney officially joined the team.

As someone who supported the Lakers while growing up in Milwaukee, becoming part of the organization represents a full-circle moment after years of competing against it.

Kobe Bryant’s Lasting Influence

Instagram | throwbackhoops | Kobe Bryant was Looney’s childhood idol, especially after watching him win the 2010 Finals.

Long before reaching the NBA, Kobe Bryant was the player Looney admired most.

Among countless memories, the 2010 NBA Finals remain at the top of the list. Watching the Lakers defeat the Boston Celtics after losing to the same opponent in 2008 left a lasting impression during his teenage years.

Years later, another unforgettable moment arrived from a completely different perspective.

While playing for the Warriors early in his NBA career, Looney was on the court during the Lakers’ ceremony retiring Bryant’s jersey numbers.

Standing inside the arena for that celebration connected childhood memories with professional reality. Watching Bryant’s achievements honored while competing in an NBA game created one of the most meaningful experiences of Looney’s career.

The occasion also served as a reminder of how much Bryant influenced an entire generation of players, including many who later became NBA champions themselves.

What Lies Ahead in Los Angeles

The Lakers are adding a veteran center who understands championship basketball, embraces physical play, and values the details that often decide close games.

Looney’s expectations extend beyond scoring. Screen setting, defensive versatility, offensive rebounding, and creating extra possessions remain the areas where he believes he can provide the greatest impact.

Years spent playing beside Stephen Curry also offer valuable preparation for sharing the floor with Luka Dončić. Both superstars command extraordinary defensive attention, requiring teammates to recognize defensive coverages, adjust quickly, and capitalize on the opportunities created by elite playmaking.

With good health, a fresh opportunity, and an experienced supporting role, Looney enters the upcoming season aiming to strengthen the Lakers’ frontcourt while contributing the dependable style of play that has defined much of his NBA career.

Kevon Looney joins the Lakers with years of NBA experience and a strong understanding of team basketball. His ability to set screens, defend multiple positions, and create extra possessions through rebounding adds value to the frontcourt.

As the season approaches, Looney will focus on developing chemistry with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, and his new teammates. His time playing alongside Stephen Curry has given him valuable experience in adapting to elite playmakers, which could help him contribute effectively in Los Angeles.