Lakers sign Carson Cooper to two-way deal, waive Lawson Lovering
L.A. adds a 6-foot-11, 245-pound center who made 43 starts across 137 career college appearances.
On September 28, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee, the Los Angeles Lakers made a significant roster move by signing center Carson Cooper to a two-way deal. This development came after the Lakers waived Lawson Lovering, a two-way center, to free up roster space. Cooper, who is 22 years old, recently played in one game for the Memphis Grizzlies. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches and weighing 245 pounds, Cooper joined the Lakers after beginning his career with the Grizzlies under a similar two-way contract.
Cooper, hailing from Michigan, had an impressive college career at Michigan State, where he started every game of his senior season. During his time at Michigan State, Cooper averaged 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game across 35 appearances. His shooting prowess was evident as he shot 58.4% from the field, contributing significantly to the Spartans' run to the NCAA Sweet 16.
Cooper's remarkable performance included making 43 starts in 137 total college games, with 35 of those starts coming in his final season at Michigan State.
The signing of Cooper provides the Lakers with a promising young prospect at the center position, a role in which the team currently lacks depth. The Lakers roster currently includes two true centers in Walker Kessler and Kevin Looney, leaving a notable void in their lineup. The addition of Cooper addresses this deficiency, bringing in a versatile player who can contribute significantly from the outset of the 2026-27 season.
Lovering's departure from the Lakers occurred just two weeks after he signed a two-way contract with the team on October 28, 2026.
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