The biggest story of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2025 offseason has been a continued effort to add size to the roster.
For some reason, the Lakers were content bringing back Jaxson Hayes and adding Deandre Ayton as the lone noteworthy moves earlier this summer. This ignores the fact that Ayton has offered inconsistent efforts, and Hayes was benched in the playoffs. Los Angeles is still incredibly limited at the position, and the latest signing isn't changing this fact.
The Lakers have signed former Mavericks and Pelicans center Kylor Kelley to a training camp deal.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 26, 2025
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Kylor Kelley has been signed to a training camp deal, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, in what is likely going to be a quick turnaround. It is hard to see the big man making his way on the Laker roster with the team's current options.
Kelley is a limited option who has spent time with the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans before landing with the Lakers. He played 11 games between the two teams last season, averaging 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds with 63.6% field-goal percentage across 11.5 minutes per outing.
This signing is simply a shot in the dark in hopes of finding surprise depth.
It further exposes the fact that the Lakers haven't done the needed work this offseason to complete the roster. For the franchise to make a deep playoff run and LeBron and Luka both must be incredible, with Ayton showing a consistent level of effort.
Lakers Continue to Make Underwhelming Moves at Center
Kelley will join Hayes, Ayton, and Christian Koloko on the Los Angeles roster. While it is a continuance of an offseason of frustration at the position, the signing isn't going to hurt the team from making needed moves if they are given the opportunity.
Kelley is a depth piece who would need an incredibly convincing training camp and preseason to win a role over Koloko. With the current cap space spent, both Ayton and Hayes are unquestionably safe. If anyone is in danger of losing their current roster standing, it is Koloko. It is at least a wildcard for fans to keep an eye on as we continue to trudge towards camp and the 2025-26 season.
Still, the move serves as a reminder of the continued lack of depth in the frontcourt. The Lakers should have a healthy level of concern and desperation if no changes are made before opening night. L.A. pinning all of its hopes and dreams on Ayton is a frustratingly dangerous place to be.