1. Brook Lopez
Another guy who could’ve been brought back on a cheap, team-friendly contract. He even said he was willing to take a pay cut if it meant playing for a contending Lakers squad.
Lopez was underrated last season as far as his contributions to the team’s successes. His ability to hit 3-pointers at a decent clip kept the defense honest, opening up space for Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Julius Randle to slash to the hoop. He’s another player that is familiar with coach Walton’s offense. And he was a functioning traditional center who could be the focal point of the offense when needed.
On the defensive end, he was an anchor and a big body in the paint that opposing offenses had to deal with. Now that they’ll be relying on JaVale McGee and rookie Moe Wagner to man the paint, it would’ve been nice to have Lopez.
Sidenote: They also could’ve signed superstar center DeMarcus Cousins to a super cheap deal, but ultimately decided against signing him due to his lingering injury. The specific injury has caused multiple players to retire, such as Charles Barkley. It’s the same injury that ended Kobe’s prime, so it may have been smart to pass on Cousins…time will tell. Hopefully, he won’t be able to contribute for Golden State the way he did in Sacramento, after the injury.
Julius Randle is the one I REALLY wish they re-signed. After a breakout season, there’s a good chance he will improve more, and maybe give the Lakers some problems when they play the Pelicans. I think the Lakers will definitely regret letting him go, and possibly Thomas and Lopez, too.
What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments below!