Photo: New Orleans Pelicans/X

Veteran center Kevon Looney says the opportunity to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, combined with his strong connection to the city, played a major role in his free agency decision.

Looney, who spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, signed a one-year veteran’s minimum contract with the Lakers after exploring his options on the open market.

“I knew I was going to be a free agent. I looked at the landscape of free agency and where there was an opportunity where I could play,” Looney said.

“A few teams called looking for a backup big. LA is a place that I come to all the time. I’m here a lot of the times. I got a lot of friends and family. So to have the opportunity to join the Lakers, I couldn’t turn that down.”

The veteran big man has played 11 seasons for the Warriors and Pelicans. He has averaged 5.7 rebounds and 4.9 points in 620 regular-season games.

He has won 3 NBA championships.

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