Lakers Quietly Add 1 More Center Ahead Of NBA Playoffs
Lakers Quietly Add 1 More Center Ahead Of NBA Playoffs
The NBA free agency market continues to see movement as Kylor Kelley returns to the South Bay Lakers, the G-League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers. This development comes shortly after the Dallas Mavericks waived Kelley from his two-way contract to make room for former first-round pick Kai Jones.
Kelley’s stint with the Mavericks was brief and limited. He averaged just 3.0 points and 2.6 rebounds across eight games, with minimal playing time despite the team’s injury challenges. His previous run with the South Bay Lakers was more productive, where he posted averages of 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds in nine games.
The Mavericks made this roster adjustment amid significant injury concerns. The team currently has multiple key players on their injury report, including Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II. This personnel shortage influenced their decision to bring in Jones, whom they believe offers greater immediate potential.
The transaction reflects ongoing roster management between the Mavericks and Lakers organizations, which have been linked in major moves recently. This includes the significant trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis in a three-team deal that also involved Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
Career Timeline for Kelley:
- Preseason: Played with LA Lakers
- Early 2025: Signed with South Bay Lakers (G-League)
- Late January 2025: Signed two-way contract with Mavericks
- March 8, 2025: Returned to South Bay Lakers
The Mavericks continue to navigate their season while managing numerous injuries, most notably to Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, the Lakers organization maintains their developmental pipeline through their G-League affiliate program.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
