The Los Angeles Lakers have addressed concerns about their center depth despite the strong performances of Jaxson Hayes and Trey Jemison III, which have helped the team secure second place in the Western Conference standings. Their efforts have maintained a high defensive standard, even after Anthony Davis’ move to the Dallas Mavericks. However, adding more depth in the frontcourt can only be beneficial.
The Lakers are bringing back Kylor Kelley, who previously played for their G League affiliate before signing a two-way contract with the Mavericks in January. According to the team’s official X account, Kelley is returning to South Bay.
Due to injuries in Dallas’ frontcourt, the 27-year-old got his first taste of NBA action, averaging 3.0 points and 2.6 rebounds across eight games. Now, he has an opportunity to make an impact with Los Angeles before the 2024-25 season ends.
Kelley, a Logan, Utah native, has taken an unconventional path to this stage, playing for the G League affiliates of the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Boston Celtics before joining the South Bay Lakers. He also played professionally in England and Denmark. His college journey was equally unconventional.
The 7-footer grew up in Gervais, Oregon, and began his collegiate career at Northwest Christian University (now Bushnell University) in 2015. He later transferred to Lane Community College before landing at Oregon State in 2018. Over two seasons with the Beavers, he started 56 games and averaged 9.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks.
Kelley has remained a dominant interior presence in the G League, leading the league in blocks in 2024 and earning All-Defensive Team honors. Now back in El Segundo, California, he is expected to make an impact with South Bay again while staying ready for a potential Lakers call-up.
With Hayes currently dealing with a knee injury, that opportunity may come sooner rather than later.
