The Los Angeles Lakers have added size and rim protection, signing 7-foot center Kylor Kelley to a training camp deal, according to multiple reports.

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel was the first to report the agreement. Kelley, who spent most of last season in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, will compete for Los Angeles’ final two-way roster slot when camp opens this fall.

Cap Situation Shapes Lakers’ Options

The Lakers currently have one standard roster spot and one two-way contract available. But their roster-building flexibility is limited by cap restrictions.

After using their bi-annual exception to sign Marcus Smart earlier this summer, the Lakers remain hard-capped at the first apron, with just $1.1 million in space below that threshold.

The restriction means the team cannot add a player on a veteran minimum contract to fill the 15th roster spot.

Instead, Los Angeles has focused on filling out its camp roster with younger players who can compete for two-way deals and provide depth during the regular season.

That’s where Kelley fits in.

The shot-blocking center hopes to join Christian Koloko and Chris Manon as the Lakers’ current two-way players.

Kelley’s Path Through the NBA and G League

Kelley, 27, appeared in 11 NBA games last season with the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks, averaging 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11.5 minutes.

He recorded a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double in his first career start for Dallas on Feb. 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing his defensive presence and rebounding ability.

In the G League, Kelley built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable rim protectors.

Playing for South Bay in 2024-25, he averaged 11.5 points on 68.2% shooting, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.4 blocks in 26.7 minutes.

He started 27 of 32 games and was named to the NBA G League All-Defensive Team after leading the league in blocks per game.

Over four G League seasons with South Bay, Maine, Raptors 905 and Austin, Kelley has appeared in 108 games, averaging 8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in just over 20 minutes per game.

He has also played professionally overseas, with stints in Canada, Denmark and England.

Before turning pro, Kelley was a two-time Pac-12 All-Defensive Team selection at Oregon State. In his final season in 2019-20, he averaged 11.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in 29.1 minutes, finishing first in the conference and second nationally in blocks.

Marciulionis Chooses Lakers Over Bucks

GettyAugustas Marciulionis of the Saint Mary’s Gaels brings the ball up the court against the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Kelley is the latest in a string of training camp additions by Los Angeles, following Augustas Marciulionis, RJ Davis, Eric Dixon and Arthur Kaluma.

Marciulionis, a two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year at Saint Mary’s, opted to sign with the Lakers over the Milwaukee Bucks. The 6-foot-4 guard, son of former NBA standout Sarunas Marciulionis, said the decision came down to familiarity and trust.

“The attention was similar from both teams,” Marciulionis told BasketNews. “But in Los Angeles, there were more people my agent and I knew and trusted. We understood the situation better there. For some reason, LA just felt like the right choice.”

Marciulionis suffered a broken foot ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, which caused his stock to fall. He is currently completing his rehab in Lithuania and will be ready for training camp. The guard, who averaged 14.2 points and 5.9 assists last season, will enter camp on a non-guaranteed deal.

“I think all the chances are in my hands,” Marciulionis said. “I just need to stay healthy and play well. Of course, I believe I can do it.”

Looking Ahead

For the Lakers, Kelley’s addition represents a low-risk, high-reward move. His defensive presence, particularly as a shot blocker, could give the team another option behind Deandre Ayton in the frontcourt rotation if he sticks around.

While roster flexibility remains limited by the salary cap, Los Angeles is using the training camp deals and two-way contracts to identify players who can contribute during the grind of an 82-game season.

Kelley and Marciulionis will look to seize that opportunity when camp opens, aiming to turn short-term deals into long-term roles with one of the NBA’s most scrutinized franchises.