Lakers Bring Back 28-Year-Old Center on New Contract

A year ago, the Lakers brought on a training camp big guy who had been a staple in the G League, and had bounced through international stints in Canada, Denmark and Britain. Kylor Kelley, the former Oregon State 7-footer, made enough of an impression to stay with the Lakers throughout camp and stick around with the South Bay Lakers of the G League after he was waived.

Kelley averaged 11.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in 24.3 minutes with South Bay, blocking 2.0 shots per game. He earned an NBA call-up, but not with the Lakers--he signed to play with the Mavericks in January and after he was released, signed a 10-day with the Pelicans in April.

Now, the Lakers are bringing Kelley back on a training camp contract. The team made the announcement on Monday, one day before Kelley's 28th birthday.

The team wrote: "Kelley (7’0”, 230) appeared in 11 NBA games (two starts) last season with the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks, averaging 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11.5 minutes. In his first career NBA start with the Mavericks Feb. 2 at Cleveland, Kelley recorded a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double to go with one assist and one block."

Who Will Be the Lakers' Centers This Season?

Kelley will not make the roster out of camp, but the Lakers like him enough to keep him around and could put him back with the South Bay Lakers as an option in case of injury, or in case they decide he's developed enough to deserve a shot. Kelley does have NBA experience now, after all, and if the Lakers do not bring him up, someone else could.

He would also be a candidate for one of the Lakers' two-way contracts. They currently have two spots filled and can add a third.

Center is, without a doubt, the weak spot of the Lakers' roster. They landed former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton in free agency this summer, and while Ayton is solid offensively, there is a reason both Portland and Phoenix did not want him on their teams--he can't defend.

The Lakers also have Jaxson Hayes, who played well in spurts last season, but has struggled with his consistency during his six NBA seasons.