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When the news broke that the Los Angeles Lakers signed Kylor Kelley to an Exhibit 10 deal, most casual fans probably scrolled right past it. It’s understandable. In a league dominated by triple-doubles and 40-foot three-pointers, a 28-year-old journeyman center signing a training camp contract doesn't exactly scream "blockbuster move."
But honestly? If you’ve been watching the Lakers’ frontcourt struggles over the last couple of seasons, you’ll know this isn't just a body for training camp. It’s a calculated gamble on a very specific, very rare skill set: elite rim protection.
Standing 7 feet tall with a wingspan that seems to go on for days, Kelley is basically a walking "No Fly Zone" sign. He isn't here to stretch the floor or hit fadeaway jumpers. He's here because he might be one of the best pure shot-blockers not currently on a standard NBA roster.
Who is Kylor Kelley and where did he come from?
Most people don't realize Kelley’s path to the purple and gold was anything but linear. He didn't come out of a blue-blood program like Kentucky or Duke. Instead, he made his name at Oregon State, where he didn't just play—he dominated the paint. He left the Beavers as their all-time leader in blocks with 211 swats in just two seasons. That’s an average of 3.4 per game.
Think about that for a second.
He was essentially erasing three to four possessions every single night. After going undrafted in 2020, he became a basketball nomad. He played in London. He played in Denmark. He played in Canada. He even spent time in the TBL with the Salem Capitals.
Basically, the guy has seen it all.
Last season was his breakthrough. He finally got his "cup of coffee" in the NBA, appearing in 11 games between the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans. He even managed a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) in his first career start against the Cleveland Cavaliers. But it was his time with the South Bay Lakers—the Lakers' G League affiliate—where he truly proved he belonged in the conversation.
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He led the G League in blocks last year, averaging 2.4 per game. He shot a ridiculous 68% from the floor. He isn't flashy, but he is efficient, and in the modern NBA, efficiency from your backup big is gold.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Kylor Kelley signing makes sense right now
Let’s be real: the Lakers' depth behind their stars has been thin. With the frontcourt rotation often feeling like a revolving door of "will they, won't they" performances, Rob Pelinka needed a low-risk, high-reward option.
The Los Angeles Lakers Kylor Kelley signing is exactly that.
By bringing him in on an Exhibit 10 contract, the Lakers get a long look at him during training camp without committing a massive amount of guaranteed money. If he pops, they can convert him to a two-way deal or even a standard roster spot. If he doesn't, they retain his G League rights, and he goes back to South Bay to anchor their defense.
It’s a win-win.
There’s also the "size" factor. Outside of their primary options, the Lakers have lacked a true, bruising rim protector who can eat minutes when the stars are resting or in foul trouble. Kelley isn't going to give you 20 points, but he will give you six fouls, five blocks, and a whole lot of altered shots. In a Western Conference that features giants like Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama, you can never have too many 7-footers.
The defensive impact you can't ignore
Kelley’s game is built on timing. It’s not just that he’s tall; it’s that he knows when to jump.
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In the G League, he was named to the All-Defensive Team, and for good reason. He has this uncanny ability to stay vertical, a skill that most young bigs struggle with for years. He doesn't just swat the ball into the third row for the highlights; he taps it to teammates to start the fast break.
That’s smart basketball.
The uphill battle for a roster spot
Is he a lock for the final 15-man roster? No way.
He’s competing with other hungry training camp invitees and undrafted rookies like RJ Davis and Arthur Kaluma. The Lakers' cap situation is also famously tight, meaning every dollar and every roster spot is scrutinized under a microscope.
However, Kelley has something the others don't: familiarity. Having already played for South Bay, the coaching staff knows his tendencies. They know he’s a "first one in, last one out" kind of guy. They know he’s coachable. In a high-pressure environment like Los Angeles, that familiarity is worth its weight in gold.
What to expect from Kelley during training camp
If you’re heading to camp or watching the preseason games, keep an eye on the second-unit defense. You’ll see #35 (his usual number) camping out in the paint.
- Rim Runs: Watch how he sprints the floor. He’s surprisingly mobile for a guy his size and loves to finish at the rim on the break.
- The Drop Coverage: The Lakers often run a "drop" scheme on pick-and-rolls. This is Kelley’s bread and butter. He’s excellent at backtracking and forcing mid-range jumpers instead of easy layups.
- Screen Setting: He’s a massive human being. His screens are basically brick walls, which is exactly what guards like D'Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves need to get open looks.
Honestly, even if he doesn't make the opening night roster, the Los Angeles Lakers Kylor Kelley signing ensures that the organization has a reliable "break glass in case of emergency" center ready to go at a moment's notice.
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Actionable insights for Lakers fans
So, what should you actually do with this information?
First, don't overreact to his box scores in the preseason. Kelley’s value isn't measured in points per game. Look at the "opponent field goal percentage at the rim" when he’s on the floor. That’s the real metric.
Second, follow the South Bay Lakers’ roster movements. If Kelley gets waived and immediately signs with South Bay, it means the Lakers are "stashing" him. He’ll be the first guy called up if an injury hits the main roster.
Finally, appreciate the journey. In an era of "one-and-done" superstars, there’s something cool about a guy who played in the British Basketball League and the Danish League finally getting a real shot at the Staples Center (okay, Crypto.com Arena).
The Los Angeles Lakers Kylor Kelley signing might not be the move that wins a championship, but it’s the kind of move that builds the depth necessary to survive an 82-game grind. Keep an eye on the big man from Oregon State; he might just surprise everyone.
Keep a close eye on the final roster cuts in late September. If the Lakers decide to carry three centers, Kelley’s chances of sticking around skyrocket. If they go small-ball heavy, he’ll likely be the defensive anchor in the G League, waiting for his phone to ring. Either way, his shot-blocking presence is now a key part of the Lakers' organizational depth.