Lakers Look for Backup Center Upgrade

Lakers insider Jovan Buha says the team needs a stronger backup center as Kevon Looney falls out of the rotation.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Basketball

Lakers insider Jovan Buha said the team needs a better backup center, with Kevon Looney pulled from the rotation as the Lakers start 7-2. Looney has appeared in five games this season, averaging 1.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in fewer than 6 minutes per game.

Why it matters

The Lakers sit near the top of the Western Conference standings, so the backup center spot is a notable roster gap for a contender. Looney has offered little presence this season, and the open roster spot is not being used by a rotation player.

Kevon Looney, 30, has averaged 1.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in fewer than 6 minutes per game across five appearances this season. Luka Doncic is averaging 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8 assists per game.

The players

Jovan Buha

Jovan Buha is a Lakers insider who covers the team and offered his assessment of the backup center need on a podcast.

Kevon Looney

Kevon Looney is a 30-year-old Lakers center who has been pulled from the team's rotation after limited production this season.

Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic is a Lakers guard who is averaging 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8 assists per game this season.

The details

Buha said on a podcast that the Lakers need a better backup center. Looney has been pulled from the rotation, and options floated include a trade, the buyout market, a G League player, or moving Mamu to the four so Mamu and Kessler can play together.

Nov. 6, 2026: Buha comments on a podcast about the Lakers' backup center need.

Season Trajectory

The Lakers' 7-2 start places them near the top of the Western Conference, which makes the backup center question a potential factor in how the team handles frontcourt depth over a long season. Whether the roster gap matters will depend on how often the team faces frontcourt injuries in the months ahead.

The Lakers' backup center situation affects fantasy managers tracking Looney's minutes, which have been under 6 per game. Fans following the rotation should watch whether Mamu shifts to the four to open minutes for Mamu and Kessler together.