Lakers agree to one-year deal with center Looney while pursuing Kuminga

The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a one-year contract with center Kevon Looney worth $3.9 million while continuing to pursue unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, league sources told ESPN. Looney, who spent 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors and won three championships, played last season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

He is expected to serve as the backup center after the Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards.

The Lakers met virtually with Kuminga the day after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option on June 29. Officials pitched him on a high-minutes role next to Luka Doncic. The team later committed most of its remaining salary cap space to Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, leaving one roster spot open after the Looney signing.

Multiple members of the organization, including players, contacted Kuminga to express interest in his joining the team. General manager Rob Pelinka has stayed in touch with Kuminga's agent, Aaron Turner, and has made incremental improvements to the offer.

Kuminga and Turner have not accepted, citing the possibility of better offers or sign-and-trade arrangements involving the Hawks. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings have also expressed interest in Kuminga.