New Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez had a successful debut this past weekend.
The Los Angeles Lakers were able to pick up their first victory of this year’s preseason on Sunday night. They defeated the Sacramento Kings 75-69; that final score tells you all you need to know about how ugly things got at times in the game.
Despite the performance being underwhelming overall, there were some bright spots for the Lakers. One of those bright spots was center Brook Lopez.
Lopez was acquired by the Lakers from the Brooklyn Nets prior to the 2017 NBA Draft. The Lakers sent Timofey Mozgov and D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn, receiving Lopez and the No. 27 pick in the draft in return.
It was a trade that was highly debated. The Lakers motivation was clearing cap space, and they accomplished that by dumping Mozgov’s contract. It did cost them a young player in Russell, but Lopez is the best player in the trade and the Lakers acquired him.
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Lopez’s debut with the team was delayed because of a back injury. He started training camp slowly as a result, missing the first three games of the season. He was well worth the wait, as he came out firing in his Lakers debut.
Lopez made his presence felt right from the opening tip. He was the go-to option for the Lakers offensively in the halfcourt, scoring their first four points of the game. He didn’t stop there, as he also showed off his three-point shooting and range, knocking down two three-pointers.
Lopez scored 10 of the Lakers first 14 points of the game. His scoring punch was something that the Lakers missed in their first three games of the season. The Lakers were able to score, but they lacked a halfcourt option they could throw the ball into for an easy basket. Lopez provided that and will provide it as long as he is in Los Angeles.
Overall, Lopez played 15 minutes in his Lakers debut. He scored 12 points, going 5-of-9 from the field, adding three rebounds.
It was a strong debut for Lopez, as he helped the team get their first win of the season. Lopez didn’t look rusty at all despite not yet playing in the preseason.
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The next step for Lopez will be developing chemistry with his new point guard, Lonzo Ball. Ball was forced to miss the game against the Kings and will miss the next game against the Utah Jazz as well. Practice time with Ball and Lopez will be important as they will be the focal point of the Lakers offensive attack this season along with Brandon Ingram.