In a move that’s sure to turn heads, Kylor Kelley, the towering 7-footer some Los Angeles Lakers fans hoped to see in the NBA, is heading overseas. Kelley, who had been playing with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, is taking his talents to the Philippines, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
At 28, Kelley has had a taste of the NBA, suiting up for 11 games last season-eight with the Mavericks and three with the Pelicans. While he never donned the Lakers jersey at the NBA level, his time in the G League showcased his potential. This season, Kelley impressed with averages of 8.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and a notable 2.4 blocks per game, all while shooting an impressive 73.3% from the field over 19 games.
Before his professional journey, Kelley was a standout at Oregon State, where he twice earned a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defense team, averaging a staggering 3.4 blocks per game during his college career. His defensive prowess was a key feature of his game, making him a force in the paint.
Kelley’s international experience is limited, with just one listed game for Trieste in Italy during the 2024-25 season. However, his move to the Philippines could signal a fresh start and a chance to carve out a new path in his basketball career. This move mirrors that of Bol Bol, who also recently signed in the Philippines, indicating the league's growing appeal to players with NBA experience.
For Kelley, this opportunity represents a chance to shine on a different stage and perhaps reignite his journey back to the NBA. Fans will be eager to see how he adapts and thrives in this new chapter.