Los Angeles Lakers: Brook Lopez discusses free agency in exit interview
Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez touched on his impending free agency during his exit interview.
Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez had an up-and-down first season in Hollywood. The Lakers acquired Lopez from the Brooklyn Nets, along with the draft pick that turned into Kyle Kuzma, from the Brooklyn Nets. In exchange, the Lakers sent D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to Brooklyn.
The Lakers had high hopes for Lopez. He was expected to solidify the middle for the Lakers, as his 3-point shooting and rim protection were both needed. Unfortunately, Lopez fell short of expectations.
Lopez ended up having a lackluster season in Los Angeles. He admitted that this was the toughest season of his career, and it showed in the numbers.
Lopez had career lows in minutes, shooting percentage and rebounds. His points per game tied for his career low. The only season that he averaged fewer blocks per game was 2011-12 when he played in only five games.
Despite the slow season, Lopez was still very complimentary of the organization during his exit interview. Lopez is high on the future of the young Lakers. Despite his struggles to adapt to their style of play at times, Lopez loves what is going on in Los Angeles.
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One issue that Lopez faced this season was the inability to find a balance between his 3-point shooting and posting up. Lopez has worked diligently to become a threat from the 3-point line but sometimes relies too much on that aspect of his game.
Lopez averaged 18.6 points per game during his Nets career, breaking the 20-point plateau four times. So, the skills are there to be a go-to scorer and force on the inside.
Despite the philosophical differences in style of play, which Lopez acknowledged, he has tried to not abandon the inside game altogether.
"“Obviously there’s a great small-ball mentality going on around the league. A lot of stretch-fives, or smaller-size fives shooting the ball. It’s something I’ve tried to adapt to but at the same time trying not to lose that post presence and inside game,” Lopez said."
The change in style played a big part in Lopez averaging the fewest minutes per game in his career. For stretches of the season, Luke Walton was not using Lopez in the fourth quarter of games.
Finding the right fit is key for free agents. Could that place be Los Angeles for Lopez? It is something else he touched on during his exit interview.
"“There’s a lot of different variables but that being said, I love what’s going on here,” Lopez added.“Had we not had a slew of injuries we definitely would’ve been a playoff team. I think this is a great place to be going forward. Not just for myself but any free agent looking to sign somewhere.”"
This offseason is an important one for the Lakers. If they are able to land the superstar level players they are aiming for, other veterans may be willing to take a little less to play there.
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Lopez is one of a number of free agents the Lakers will have this offseason. His skill set is one that the Lakers could use, as the combination of his 3-point shooting and shot blocking is rare to see.