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New Lakers Center Kevon Looney Describes Luka Doncic’s Impact
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- New Lakers Center Kevon Looney Describes Luka Doncic’s Impact
Kevon Looney has spent enough time competing against Luka Doncic to understand how difficult he is to defend. Now, the veteran center is learning what it means to play alongside him.
For the Los Angeles Lakers , that starts with the belief that their offense has someone capable of controlling a game against any opponent. Looney described that confidence following Saturday's practice as the team continued preparing for the regular season.
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"When you got a guy like Luka going into the game, you feel like you can beat anybody," Looney said.
That belief comes with responsibility. Looney explained that Doncic's teammates must handle their assignments and earn his confidence, making that relationship more than simply trusting their best player to deliver.
The Lakers need Doncic to create advantages. They also need everyone around him to make those advantages count.
Looney sees the value of making Doncic's job easier
Looney's perspective is particularly useful because his role does not require an offense to revolve around his scoring.
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A well-timed screen can force a defender behind the play. Holding the right position can give a ballhandler another second to read the defense. An offensive rebound can rescue a possession that otherwise would have ended.
Those contributions should matter alongside Doncic, whose ability to change speeds and manipulate defenders makes even a small opening dangerous.
Looney also discussed developing a greater appreciation for Doncic's vision and ability to reach his preferred spots after watching him regularly in practices and games.
For a center, that creates opportunities beyond receiving a pass near the basket. The timing of a screen, roll or handoff can help determine whether Doncic gets the matchup he wants.
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The challenge is building enough familiarity that both players recognize the same opening without needing to stop and explain it.
Confidence must become dependable execution
Looney's comments also offer a useful way to judge the Lakers as the season approaches.
Doncic's individual talent gives L.A. a reason to believe it can compete. The supporting cast determines how consistently the team can turn that belief into productive possessions.
Oct 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero (1) and forward Kevon Looney (55) defend Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
When opponents send additional defenders toward Doncic, teammates must recognize where the next pass belongs. When he draws attention away from the ball, they need to cut, maintain spacing or prepare to shoot.
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Defensively, the same standard applies. A strong offensive possession loses value if the Lakers immediately surrender an easy basket or another offensive rebound.
Looney can help establish that standard through the responsibilities that have defined his career: screening, rebounding and making decisions that serve the possession.
His assessment is encouraging because it connects confidence in Doncic with accountability throughout the roster.
The Lakers have a player who can create an opening almost anywhere. Their next task is becoming a team he can trust to finish the play.
