On August 26, the Los Angeles Lakers officially announced that they had signed center Kyle Kelly. As is consistent with team policy, the specific terms of the contract were not disclosed. The contract allows Kelly to participate in training camp and preseason games with the team. If he is ultimately waived, his contract will transfer to the Lakers' Development League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

The Lakers actually signed Kelly in the same manner last season. He spent the majority of the 2024-25 season with the South Bay Lakers, appearing in 32 games and averaging 11.5 points on 68.2% shooting , 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, showcasing his defensive dominance with his solid interior play.

Kelly received short-term recalls from the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks during the season. He played a total of 11 games in the NBA, averaging 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds. Notably, he recorded a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds in his first NBA start for the Mavericks against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 2nd of this year .

Kelly , 28 years old and 7-foot tall, has 108 G League games under his belt , having played for the South Bay Lakers, Maine Celtics, Raptors 905 , and Austin Spurs, averaging 8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. He was named to the 2024 G League All-Defensive Team and leads the league in blocks per game.

With Anthony Davis being traded away, the Lakers are in urgent need of reinforcement in the interior, and Kelly's rim protection and defensive ability are exactly what the team lacks. The Lakers currently have one regular roster spot and one two-way contract vacant, and Kelly will have the opportunity to compete in training camp.