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What Jason Kidd said about new LA Lakers signing Kylor Kelley after his NBA debut

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to improve their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Despite a third-seed finish last season, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ campaign was labeled a failure due to their first-round playoff exit.

The Lakers’ front office seemingly took offense to it, as they have been one of the most active teams during the offseason.

Deandre Ayton’s addition helps the Lakers address their biggest flaw on the roster. The organization still needed an elite backup center, and they have seemingly found that in Kylor Kelley.

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Jason Kidd was blown away by Kylor Kelley’s NBA debut

Last season, the Dallas Mavericks had to get creative following an unfortunate injury streak. After all, the Mavs were at risk of forfeiting games at one point in the season.

During that terrible stretch, the Mavs relied on signing Bronny James’ G-League teammate, Kylor Kelley. Fast forward to now and the Lakers have now welcomed him as a backup center behind Ayton.

While Kelley doesn’t have extensive NBA experience, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd’s reaction to his debut speaks volumes about the 28-year-old center.

“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 played 8 minutes during his debut and scored 1 point while pulling down 4 rebounds for the Mavericks against the Washington Wizards.

Kylor Kelley’s NBA career

Despite helping out the team during a tough stretch, the Mavericks waived Kelley in March 2025. He later signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.

However, he featured in just three games for the Pelicans. Overall, he played 11 games last season while averaging 3.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game.

As for his future, the Lakers have only signed him on an Exhibit 10 deal. It means if he fails to impress during NBA Training Camp, he won’t earn a roster spot with the team for the upcoming season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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