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Los Angeles Lakers: Brook Lopez getting back on track

By Kenneth Teape

DENVER, CO - MARCH 9: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on March 9, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MARCH 9: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on March 9, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez is coming along and getting things back on track recently.

Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a big trade with the Brooklyn Nets. Los Angeles sent point guard D’Angelo Russell and center Timofey Mozgov to Brooklyn. It was a cost-cutting move, as the Lakers wanted to get Mozgov’s contract off the books.

In return, Los Angeles received center Brook Lopez and the No. 27 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Fast forward almost nine months, and who would have thought that No. 27 pick would be producing more than Lopez?

With the 27th selection, the Lakers picked forward Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma has been outstanding in his rookie season, averaging 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Lopez, unfortunately, has not had as productive a season.

Lopez has struggled in his first season in Los Angeles. He is averaging 12 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 blocks in 21.8 minutes per game. The points, rebounds and minutes per game are all on pace to be career-lows for Lopez.

Given his size and lumbering style of play, Lopez has failed to acclimate himself to the Lakers’ style of play. Los Angeles, with Lonzo Ball now leading the show, is playing at a quick pace. It is something that isn’t conducive to Lopez’s style, who operates best in the half-court.

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Lopez saw his playing time shrink after the first month of the season. Between December and January, he averaged only 19.9 and 17.1 minutes per game. He was sitting out a majority of fourth quarters, as Luke Walton was going with other players.

At the beginning of February, Walton began showing more trust in Lopez. He came up big a few times when Ball was sidelined. Against his old team in the Nets, and Oklahoma City Thunder, Lopez played fourth quarter minutes and helped get victories.

Lopez began seeing an uptick in minutes, as his solid play was rewarded. He went through a tough stretch right before the All-Star break, just as the whole team did. However, he has really picked things up in recent games.

In the last seven games, Lopez has begun getting things back on track. He is shooting 56.4 percent during this stretch, including 36.1 percent from 3-point range, resulting in 16.6 points per game.

The last two games have been especially strong for Lopez. He shot 12-for-18 in both games against the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, scoring 29 and 27 points respectively. The performance against the Nuggets made it seven straight games in double-figures for Lopez, the longest such streak for him this season.

Unsurprisingly, Lopez’s improved production has led to victories for the Lakers. During this recent seven-game stretch, Los Angeles has gone 5-2.

While Lopez has struggled for a majority of the season, it is encouraging to see him getting back on track. Putting on a good performance to end the season would be beneficial for Lopez, who is set to become a free agent this summer.

Next: Top 5 Free Agents For Lakers In 2018 and 2019

Hopefully, he can continue playing well so that he not only cashes in this summer but helps get the Lakers some victories to finish out the season.

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