Lakers Sign Center to 2-Way Deal Amid Depth Concerns

The Los Angeles Lakers signed center Lawson Lovering to a two-way deal as their problems with depth behind Walker Kessler reveal themselves.

Lovering, 23, went undrafted in 2025, spending most of last season with the Memphis Grizzlies' G League affiliate. He played 13 games in the G League, averaging 8.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game with the team. The Grizzlies brought him on for a 10-day contract in February, and he featured twice for the team—starting once.

He averaged seven points and 7.5 rebounds per game across his two appearances in the NBA, also logging 1.5 assists and two steals and blocks per game.

A seven-footer, Lovering offers some size for the Lakers if they choose to use him, as he would be the team's second player clocking in at or over seven feet tall, the other being starting center Walker Kessler.

Who has Been Playing Behind Walker Kessler So Far?

The Lakers don't have too many options behind Kessler, with center Kevon Looney and forward Sandro Mamukelashvili spending most of the time at the position while Kessler sits. Jarred Vanderbilt is also available for the Lakers off of the bench, but is still yet to feature this season despite being on a $12 million contract.

Kessler is averaging 31.5 minutes per game, the third most on the team behind Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, which has prompted overuse concerns after he spent last year on the sidelines with an injury.

The Lakers' rebounding is struggling due to their lack of depth, as they currently rank dead last in the league in total rebounds and have been out-rebounded in half of their games—allowing the third most in the NBA so far.

Lovering could provide some relief for the Lakers behind Kessler with his size, and is a low-risk signing for the Lakers given his status as a two-way player.

He likely won't be available for the team's game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. PT, but could be involved in Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors if head coach JJ Redick sees fit. The Lakers will have to make do with what they have against the Clippers, though, and will look to mirror their result against them from earlier in the season.