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Lakers Rumors: Brook Lopez could miss preseason games

By Kenneth Teape

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 4: Brook Lopez #11 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots a foul shot against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on April 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 4: Brook Lopez #11 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots a foul shot against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on April 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Newly acquired center Brook Lopez may miss some preseason games with a recurring back injury.

The most recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors is that the team signed veteran center, Andrew Bogut. It was signing that surprised many people, as Bogut has been courted by contenders such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, in addition to the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Lakers reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with Bogut. At first, many people believed that the signing was insurance for youngster Ivica Zubac. Zubac flashed a lot of potential as a rookie last season but struggled mightily this summer with some new teammates.

Zubac was well aware of his struggles, as it will take some time for him to adapt to the Lakers new playing style with Lonzo Ball leading the way.

However, that may not be the case. While Bogut has a lot to offer the Lakers in terms of leadership and experience as a veteran, the Lakers may have had ulterior motives to signing Bogut.

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According to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register, the Lakers signed Bogut as insurance, but not for Zubac or rookie Thomas Bryant. Instead, Bogut was signed as insurance for veteran, Brook Lopez.

Lakers fans may have to wait longer than they expected to see Lopez on the court. According to Oram, Lopez is dealing with some recurring back issues this summer. They have hampered him enough that the Lakers fear he could miss some preseason games.

That would be a poor way for Lopez to begin his Lakers tenure. The Lakers are expecting Lopez to be their starting center after trading for him earlier this offseason.

The Lakers acquired Lopez from the Brooklyn Nets prior to the 2017 NBA Draft. The Lakers received Lopez and the No. 27 pick in the draft in exchange for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov. Clearing cap space was a motivating factor for the Lakers to make the deal, and they received the best player in the deal.

Lopez re-invented himself offensively last season. He is extremely gifted with the ball in his hands and expanded his range to the three-point line. After making only three three-pointers heading into the 2016-17 season, Lopez knocked down 134 last season.

That ability to stretch the court was a big reason for the Lakers acquiring Lopez. His skills offensively are his strength, as he leaves a lot to be desired as a rebounder and defender. However, he more than makes up for it with his ability to score the ball.

Hopefully, Lopez is not sidelined long. Bogut is a solid replacement for him should he miss time, but like Lopez, Bogut has been injury-prone throughout his career. Having at least one healthy at all times will be important for the Lakers, as they are two of the only veterans on the team along with Corey Brewer and Luol Deng.

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Lopez missing time in the preseason will hurt. Those practices are important, especially for a young team, to learn and develop some chemistry together. Hopefully, the injury isn’t serious and Lopez is back on the court sooner than later for Los Angeles.

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