Lakers Add Much-Sought After Height By Inking 7-Footer
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (14) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers forward Isaiah Jackson (23) during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Daniel Benjamin, Editor
Less than two weeks into the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have made their first roster move. According to Hoophype’s Michael Scotto, the Lakers have agreed to a two-way deal with Lawson Lovering.
Just In: The Los Angeles Lakers and Lawson Lovering have agreed to a two-way deal, agent Drew Kelso of @OneMotiveSports told @hoopshype. The 7-foot center averaged 7.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in two games with the Memphis Grizzlies last season. https://t.co/SlxuL6oKo0
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 28, 2026
Lovering signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies at the end of September. But unlike last year, the 7-foot center did not attend training camp with the Grizzlies, as they had a full roster throughout the preseason. The Grizzlies ultimately waived him a couple of days after signing him. He was ticketed to head back to the G-League with the Memphis Hustle, where he spent most of last season.
Why the Lakers Signed Lawson Lovering
Memphis Grizzlies center Lawson Lovering (34) shoots against Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (8) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Photo Credit: Petre Thomas, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Los Angeles, which rebuilt its frontcourt this summer, has been looking to add size throughout the preseason. The Lakers do have 7-2 center Walker Kessler, who is an elite shot-blocker and strong rebounder, though his backups are girthy but not pure rim protectors.
Backup center Sandro Mamukelashvili, who stands at 6-9 and weighs 240 pounds, is a bull down low, though he is much more valuable offensively than defensively. Meanwhile, third-stringer 6-9 Kevon Looney is physically strong and an excellent low-post defender who rebounds well. Overall, the Lakers have just four players that are 6-9 or taller and six that are at least 6-8.
As a result, LA is one of the worst rebounding teams. The Lakers collect only 47.0% of all available boards.
Through the first five games, the Lakers average 5.8 blocks per game (9th-most). However, their opponents shoot 61.4% from within 5 feet (15th). Moreover, the Lakers’ centers and frontcourt rank in the bottom third in defensive efficiency in the early going.
What Lawson Lovering Brings to the Lakers
Lovering went undrafted out of Utah in 2025. Lovering signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Grizzlies last year and attended training camp with the team after spending the summer with the franchise.
After being waived by the Grizzlies, the 23-year-old was allocated to the Hustle, where he played 30 games. He also got a cup with the Grizzlies — signing a 10-day contract before the All-Star break — averaging 7.0 points, on 60% shooting, and 7.5 rebounds.
Lovering is a true 7-footer with a 7-5 wingspan, which is solid but not elite for a 7-footer. Lovering is an excellent offensive rebounder, compiling 3.1 boards on that end in 26.1 minutes with the Hustle last season. He is also highly efficient around the rim and posted seven double-doubles in 2025-26, including a 11-point, 11-rebound effort against the Utah Jazz (February 20).
While Lovering is very limited offensively, he is a vertical threat and very efficient around the rim. Lovering is a very good screener and is at his best as a rim-runner out of the pick-and-roll. Additionally, he is a strong interior defender with the ability to protect the rim, compiling 1.3 blocks per game in the G-League.
Lakers Waive AK Okereke From 2-Way Contract
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ak Okereke (31) shoots a free throw in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
To make room for Lovering, Los Angeles waived AK Okereke. Okereke signed a minor league contract shortly after going undrafted out of Vanderbilt this past June. He played well during the Summer League for the Lakers.
Okereke saw limited action in the preseason as the Lakers were focused on developing chemistry and figuring out their rotation with nine newcomers. But he tallied eight points on 3-of-5 shooting, connecting on 1-of-3 three-pointers, against Golden State in one of his three appearances.
Okereke is an undersized 4/5 man with a strong frame, standing at 6-7 and weighing 244 pounds. He is a floor spacer and can defend all three frontcourt positions.
The Last Word
Los Angeles is off to a 4-1 start this year after defeating their crosstown rivals, the Clippers, last night 103-87. Despite the fantastic start, the Lakers are still a work in progress. They are not very deep. lack size up front and are a poor rebounding team.
So, signing Lovering makes sense. Lovering, at the very least, provides depth with Ziaire Williams nursing a foot injury and Adou Thiero yet to suit up this season due to swelling in his left knee. However, JJ Redick typically uses a 9-to-10-man rotation, so expect him to be shuttled between the Lakers G-League team in Coachella Valley.
Lovering is still in the developmental stage and will likely see time with the Lakers if Kessler, Mamukelshaili, or Looney are injured. Meanwhile, Okereke now becomes a free agent and will likely seek another opportunity. However, he may end up back with Coachella Valley as the Lakers do obviously like him.
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Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
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