Lakers to Sign Center Kevon Looney, Still Chasing Forward Jonathan Kuminga

The Lakers, having traded Deandre Ayton, badly needed to address the backup center position, and on Tuesday did just that, signing veteran Kevon Looney, known mostly for his time in Golden State but most recently with the New Orleans Pelicans. Looney is an interesting addition, because he's definitely a veteran who can provide a voice and guidance for a team that is now extremely young. But at nearly 31 years old when the season starts, there's reason to question how effective a player he'll be. His per minute numbers were broadly similar last year in New Orleans compared to his time with the Warriors, save shooting and scoring numbers that cratered. As did his some of his defensive metrics, but this could be more a function of the Pelicans than Looney. He's still an aggressive rebounder, but his finishing around the rim has fallen off. But what he really might be is a player designed to attract free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is the current apple of LA's eye as they try to fill out the roster. Of course, to get him, the Lakers will need to free up some space. The "how" there is yet to be determined. Is Kuminga worth the pursuit? They've apparently tried to lure him with a deal starting at 2 years and $20 million. Still work to do! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers sign Looney SEGMENT 2: Pursing Jonathan Kuminga, hard! SEGMENT 3: Can they open up space? Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)