Lakers Reload with Defensive Beast: Kylor Kelley Joins Deandre Ayton to Form Towering Frontcourt Duo
Despite finishing as the third seed last season, the Los Angeles Lakers saw their campaign end in disappointment with a first-round playoff exit—an outcome widely regarded as a failure by both fans and analysts. The early exit seemingly lit a fire under the Lakers’ front office, who wasted little time reshaping the roster during the offseason.
Among the most significant moves was the acquisition of Deandre Ayton, a much-needed upgrade at the center position. Ayton’s presence addresses one of the Lakers’ most glaring weaknesses from last season: a lack of interior defense and consistent rim protection. However, the Lakers didn’t stop there. Understanding the need for depth in the frontcourt, the organization made another notable move by signing Kylor Kelley as Ayton’s backup.
Kelley, though not a household name in NBA circles, brings a unique set of skills to the Lakers bench. Known for his shot-blocking prowess, the 28-year-old center made a name for himself during a stint with the Dallas Mavericks last season. The Mavericks, hit hard by injuries, were forced to get creative with their roster and turned to Kelley, who had been playing in the G-League and notably teamed up with Bronny James. His performance was impressive enough to draw praise from Mavs head coach Jason Kidd.
“I thought his activity and his talk… He was vocal. For someone just to get here, his voice could be heard on the floor, and that’s a great sign for a newcomer,” Kidd said after Kelley’s debut.
Kelley’s energy, communication, and defensive presence stood out—traits that clearly caught the Lakers’ attention. While he may not have extensive NBA experience, his impact has been felt wherever he’s played. Now with the Lakers, he has a chance to solidify himself as a reliable option behind Ayton and help the team bounce back from last season’s playoff disappointment.
