Los Angeles Lakers Make Official Announcement After Roster Decision

Kiyoshi Mio - Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers Make Official Announcement After Roster Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 11, 2026 6:03 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a hot start in the 2026-27 NBA season. They have won their last six games, improving to a 10-2 record and claiming the top spot in the Western Conference standings.

Despite that, however, the Lakers have a clear need at one key position: center. Specifically, they need depth behind starting big man Walker Kessler.

The Lakers have other centers such as Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney. However, they don’t provide the same defensive impact as Kessler.

With that said, the Purple and Gold continue to assess their options at the position in a bid to find a solution to their problem.

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (14) Jon Endow-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, the Lakers announced that they have signed center Carson Cooper to a two-way contract. Players on such deals are allowed to play a maximum of 50 games for their teams, as well as split time between the NBA and G League.

Cooper went undrafted in the 2026 draft. However, the Memphis Grizzlies previously signed him to a two-way contract as well. He made one appearance with the team, recording one point, two rebounds and one assist.

“OFFICIAL: Lakers sign Carson Cooper to a two-way contract,” the Lakers announced on social media.

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Prior to signing Cooper, however, the Lakers released center Lawson Lovering. The 7-foot center appeared in two games for L.A. this season, but his minutes were limited. He averaged 1.5 minutes per game, putting up 0.5 rebounds and 0.5 blocks.

The Lakers brought in Lovering roughly two weeks ago. At the time, they waived two-way forward AK Okereke to make room for him.

Similar to Lovering, it will be hard for Cooper to get significant playing time with the Lakers. That being said, he will need to really impress during practice and make the most of any opportunities he is given if he wants to stay.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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