Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez’s numbers are not what they once were. In spite of that, the veteran is proving to be a solid role model the Lakers were in desperate need of.
Through ten games this season, Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez is not playing as many minutes as he once did. While the last couple games show differently, the 7-footer has clearly had a lesser role thus far.
The prior three games, though, reveal what the former Brooklyn Net is capable of. They have demonstrated why Los Angeles traded for him to begin with.
Lopez has provided an offensive spark his whole career. Thus, to see him drop a combined 85 points against Portland, Brooklyn and Memphis is not too shocking.
What has been encouraging about his game is the balanced attack. Granted the big fella knows how to knock them down from deep (he made four alone in a sizzling third quarter Friday night), his offensive abilities extend beyond spacing the floor.
Lopez has imparted help in the low-post as well. In recent memory, the Lakers’ man in the middle has taken advantage of mismatches when the opportunities present themselves. As a result, the team has benefitted by getting some easier points.
With that being said, this proves a point former Lakers Derek Fisher and James Worthy brought up during some in-game analysis. Even though the two agreed that the art of the big man is dying, presences like Lopez suggest that said art is not entirely dead.
It is widely understood that that the NBA is becoming more dependent on 3-point shooting. Although that is indisputable, Brook is one of the few that knows how to get it done in a variety of ways.
Suffice to say, the 29-year-old will need to continue to get the job done. Since power forward Larry Nance Jr. will be sidelined for at least the next month, the Lakers’ frontcourt depth is thinner.
A large part of why Larry claimed the team’s last starting spot is due to how well he complements Brook. Nance Jr.’s ability to mix it up and haul down rebounds with his insane vertical has become invaluable for the purple-and-gold.
Despite Lopez not being too much of a threat on the glass, he grasps what he brings to the table. The frontcourt player, per Newsday writer Greg Logan, elaborates more on the subject.
Los Angeles Lakers
"“I’m just trying to lead in whatever way I can, lead by example, be a vocal leader, leading out on the floor,” Lopez said. “The great thing about this team is we all have that accountability. We accept our responsibility, and we have the respect for one another where we can call each other out in games or in practice and no one’s going to get hurt.”"
Every team needs an experienced guy who possesses those attributes. The Lakers have not had a go-to leader since the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, called it a career.
No one will ever come close to filling the shoes of number 8/24. Those who lead by example, though, can have a ripple effect in the long run. It is a quality that cannot really be taught.
One way Lopez has led by example has strangely come through having a smaller role. He has never complained or whined about it, which sheds light on his professionalism.
Let alone that, this same demeanor came to fruition after the win against his old team. As transcribed by Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Lopez did not spew out an eloquent monologue when asked about his impressive performance.
"“Typical. I felt comfortable out there. It was another game to me,” Lopez said. “Honestly it wasn’t [awkward] at all.”"
By virtue of attaching little weight to his game, it exhibits Lopez’ selflessness. Likewise, it unveils that he is not one who cares about the drama that naturally arises from playing against familiar faces.
Moreover, it could also be argued that this approach signifies how much he expects from himself. While scoring at such a high clip may not be sustainable, it at the bare minimum speaks to how badly he wants to contribute to the Lakers’ chances of winning.
Head coach Luke Walton understands how crucial Lopez is to this team. Because the latter played against his old squad, too, Walton told Lakers.com reporter Joey Ramirez that such an outburst is not too unusual.
"“When you have the talent level that Brook has, and you’ve been in the league long enough,” Walton said, “you can anticipate a player of that level having a big game against his old team.”"
Some Lakers fans may think a couple good games is too small of a sample size. However, it does indicate that Lopez is not totally fading into the sunset. His modest approach amidst this mini-surge, too, is nice to see.
L.A. is a place in general where words like modesty do not fit into the equation. Thus, to have someone on board who counteracts that tendency is great.
Basketball is about everyone rather than just one. Brook seems to have a stronger understanding of this concept more than most.
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Therefore, whether he is getting buckets or not, it is reasonable to assert that the Lakers are fortunate to have him. They really are. Lopez appears to be willing to do whatever it takes to help his team get better.