With the Lakers desperate for quality centers, should they circle back on Brook Lopez?
It’s no secret that the Lakers are lacking in the big department.
Their playoff series against the Wolves made that evident as they were forced to play small due to a lack of confidence in Jaxson Hayes and their other frontcourt options, Maxi Kleber, Alex Len and Markieff Morris.
Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka said that the franchise would explore “every single unturned stone” to add a center to the roster in the offseason, and now some potential options are becoming clear.
In his recent Substack article, Matt Moore mentioned that Brook Lopez could be leaving the Bucks this summer, giving the Lakers a chance to reunite with the big man.
The team is likely to retain Kevin Porter Jr. and most everyone I’ve spoken to assume Brook Lopez is gone.
Lopez might be one of the bigger names on the market. He’s certainly at the end of his career, but like Al Horford, he’s a complete pro and a winner who’s easy to fit into a team culture and find a role for, and still makes a difference defensively night to night.
Lopez played for Los Angeles during the 2017-18 season, the year before LeBron James joined the franchise. He averaged 13 points and shot 34.5% from deep as a Laker.
After that season, he joined the Bucks and has played in Milwaukee for seven years. If he is leaving, should the Lakers pursue a reunion with Lopez?
Last year, Lopez was a durable and dependable player for the Bucks. He started and played in 80 games, averaging 13 points per game while shooting 37.3% from 3-point range.
With the center market looking slim, the Lakers have to explore all options, especially when it comes to unrestricted free agents such as Lopez.
The interest Lopez has in returning to Los Angeles is unknown, but the Lakers should at least consider it.
He may not be the vertical lob threat Luka Dončić typically prefers, but he’s a good shooter, solid defender and is far better than any big the Lakers currently employ.
Besides his desire to play for the Lakers being uncertain, there is also the money issue.
The purple and gold are currently near the first apron, and if LeBron James opts into his player option, that will likely limit their spending power.
As an unrestricted free agent, Lopez might command a salary higher than the Lakers can afford, depending on his potential suitors and the market for him this summer.
Even so, pursuing every option means considering both the possible and the improbable.
Other teams might have more spending power, but the idea of playing alongside LeBron and Luka and being the missing piece that helps bring a title back to Los Angeles might be alluring enough for Brooks to consider a second stint as a Laker.
If Lopez is looking for a new NBA home this offseason, the Lakers need to do their due diligence and see if he’d like to return to Los Angeles.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.