Los Angeles Lakers Re-Sign Center Kylor Kelley for 2025-26 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially brought back center Kylor Kelley, strengthening their frontcourt depth ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
The announcement was made through the team’s social media channels with a bold “Welcome Back” message, confirming Kelley’s return to the purple and gold.
A Familiar Face Returns
Kelley, a 7-foot center known for his rim protection and defensive instincts, previously spent time with the Lakers on short stints, showcasing flashes of his shot-blocking ability. His return provides the franchise with much-needed size behind superstar Anthony Davis, especially given the physical demands of a grueling Western Conference schedule.
For a Lakers team aiming to compete for another championship with Luka Dončić, Davis, and a revamped supporting cast, bringing back a defensive anchor like Kelley reflects the front office’s intent to balance star power with reliable role players.
Why Kelley Matters
The Lakers have long sought consistency at the backup center position. While Davis thrives at the five in closing lineups, the coaching staff has been clear about wanting another true big man to eat up minutes, contest shots, and take on tougher matchups inside.
Kelley fits that mold. During his previous NBA and G-League stints, he earned a reputation as an elite rim protector thanks to his long wingspan and timing. Though not a high-usage offensive player, his ability to finish lobs, rebound in traffic, and serve as a disruptive paint presence gives Los Angeles a reliable option off the bench.
A Low-Risk, High-Upside Addition
The signing comes at little cost to the Lakers, making Kelley a classic low-risk, high-upside addition. If he can carve out 10–15 minutes a night, especially in matchups against taller frontcourts like the Denver Nuggets or Minnesota Timberwolves, his value could be immeasurable.
The Lakers are entering a season filled with massive expectations, headlined by the arrival of Dončić and the championship-or-bust mentality that always surrounds the franchise. Depth signings like Kelley’s may not grab the same headlines as blockbuster trades, but history has often shown that role players are the difference makers in deep playoff runs.
Looking Ahead
Kelley now has the chance to solidify his place in the rotation, prove he belongs in the league long-term, and contribute to what could be a historic Lakers campaign. With the roster nearly finalized, the Lakers are assembling a unit built not only on star power but also on length, defense, and versatility.
The message is clear: the Lakers aren’t just preparing to compete they’re preparing to dominate.
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