Los Angeles Lakers: What will Brook Lopez bring to his new team?

After a big trade that sent D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, what will Brook Lopez bring to the Los Angeles Lakers?

Trade rumors had been swirling heavily throughout Laker nation ever since Indiana Pacers All-Star Paul George reportedly declared the Los Angeles Lakers as the team he wants to play for.

Many pundits began speculating how the rotation would look if George arrives and how he would fit in. What they no longer have to speculate about, however, is how D’Angelo Russell would fit with George since he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that nets Brook Lopez in return, just a couple of days prior to the NBA draft.

Last summer the Lakers signed Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng to terrible deals that would make it difficult for the franchise to sign any top-tier free agents in the coming offseason. Considering Lopez only has one season remaining on his current deal, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the desire to have salary cap flexibility was the sole reason for this trade. However, I want to give the new Lake Show management more credit than that and believe Lopez is a player who they feel can become a huge part of this rebuild.

Brook Lopez is one of the top offensive centers in the NBA today. He certainly provides more fire power than any big man the Lakers have had on its roster since Pau Gasol.

Lopez has always had a nice touch on his shot from 15 feet in but recently added the three-pointers to his arsenal. Per basketball reference, he made 35 percent of his 347 attempts from three-point land, In his previous eight seasons combined, he only shot 26 three pointers. This shows he is smart enough to recognize that he had to adjust his skills to the way the game is changing.

The new face of the franchise, Lonzo Ball, needs to have players like him on the floor to aid in maximizing every offensive possession. Lopez will know the right time to spot up and when to cut. He is a career 51 percent shooter from the field but also shoots 80 percent from the free throw line. The team lacked a player who can receive post passes, when needed, and score or take advantage of getting fouled.

Intelligence is another quality Lopez brings to the team. He can analyze what is taking place on the floor and help the young core adjust on the fly. This will help raise the team IQ and scoring efficiency tremendously. Last season he was one the most efficient players in the NBA. According to ESPN’s Hollinger statistics, he ranked number 38 in the entire league in PER at 20.48, which is above the league average of 15.00. His PER also ranked slightly higher than the aforementioned Paul George and Pau Gasol. The closest current Laker in this category who received consistent minutes was Julius Randle, ranked at 101.

Next: Complete First Round Grades

No one can be certain what the front office plans to do other than making a strong push for George through trade now or in free agency next summer. Having a player who knows how to play the game like Lopez does will only help entice George to join the team.

That is why I feel this acquisition was made with long-term goals in mind and not just a salary cap move. Lopez is only 29 years old and has some good years ahead of him, as big men age better than wings. If Lonzo Ball’s game translates well to the professional level and the rest of the young core matures on the floor makes the necessary improvements to their game, this is a team that should win, as well as entertain.