# Kevon Looney Returns to Lakers After Weird Season

> Kevon Looney, a three-time NBA champion, joins Lakers after a 'weird' season with Pelicans.
- Title: Kevon Looney Returns to Lakers After Weird Season | Shortify
- Summary: Kevon Looney, a three-time NBA champion, joins Lakers after a 'weird' season with Pelicans. kevon looney, lakers, nba · reported by California Post.
- Keywords: kevon looney, lakers, nba, warriors, pelicans, nba draft, championship, free agency, veteran leader, regular season, news, entertainment
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/21/sports/kevon-looney-eager-to-be-lakers-veteran-leader
- Published: 2026-10-22T02:11:11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kevon looney, lakers, nba, warriors, pelicans, nba draft, championship, free agency, veteran leader, regular season, news, entertainment
## Kevon Looney's Return
Kevon Looney, a 12-year veteran center, returns to the Lakers after a 'weird' season with the Pelicans.

> I know, being on the other side of the bay-la rivalry always is, how big those games are, how entertaining those games are
## Lakers Regular Season Start
Looney plays against the Warriors in the Lakers' regular season opener at Crypto.com Arena.
## Looney's Background
Looney spent his first decade with the Warriors before joining the Lakers in 2026.
## Family Connection
Looney's wife, Mariah Simone Winston, is from Los Angeles and has family ties to the city.
## Lakers Interest
The Lakers expressed interest in Looney during his free agency, leading to his return.
## Championship History
Looney won three NBA championships with the Warriors from 2017 to 2022.
## Pelicans Season Struggles
Looney played only 21 games with the Pelicans after a knee injury sidelined him.
## Looney's Motivation
Looney aims to prove he still has value after a challenging season with the Pelicans.

> I didn’t get a lot of opportunities to play and show what I could do
## Lakers' Strategy
The Lakers see Looney as a veteran leader to help young players develop.
## Coaching Perspective
Coach JJ Redick believes Looney can build relationships with younger Lakers players.
## Looney's Role
Looney is the oldest player on the Lakers and a key veteran leader for the team.
## Team Impact
Looney helps the Lakers by sharing experience and guiding young players through playoffs.
## Key takeaway

Kevon Looney, a three-time NBA champion, returns to the Lakers after a challenging season with the Pelicans.