Brook Lopez will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he could find his way back to the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent the past seven seasons in Milwaukee with the Bucks, where he helped win the 2021 title; however, it appears that his days in Wisconsin will soon officially come to an end.
Lopez isn't the athletic, rim-running center that Luka Doncic wants (and LA needs), but that doesn't mean the team should rule him out simply because he won't cost much to sign. The Lakers are limited in what they can offer on the trade market for players like Walker Kessler, their ideal target. Unless they find a way to get lightning to strike twice, they might have to "settle" for Lopez.
He turned 37 at the beginning of April, but Lopez can still produce. He averaged 13 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.8 assists per game this past season. He started all 80 games he played, which isn't too shabby for someone who has been in the league for 17 seasons.
On Wednesday, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Lakers have "long been fans of Lopez" (subscription required), but he added that doesn't mean LA will pursue the center in free agency. However, given the team's need for a center, one can assume that the front office is considering reuniting with Lopez. It's best to evaluate all options.
Lakers could express interest in Brook Lopez this summer
Milwaukee's murky situation shouldn't be one that Lopez wants to return to. The Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs the past three seasons. Giannis Antetokounmpo has hinted that he'll return to Milwaukee next season, but even his greatness may not be enough to propel the Bucks to another title in a weakened conference. The team's issues run deep.
If the Lakers are interested in signing Lopez, they won't be the only ones. Fischer reported that the Rockets could pursue the center if they don't retain Steven Adams. Houston finished with the second-best record in the West this past season, but its playoff inexperience led to a first-round exit.
The Rockets could sway Lopez to sign with them, but it'd be harder to get him to do so if the Lakers wanted him. Los Angeles is his home. The Lakers want to win another title with LeBron James, and it helps that Luka fell into their lap. Lopez isn't the flashy center who will throw down lobs from Luka, but he'd be a quality addition to a team that needs depth.