The Los Angeles Lakers need a backup center, and Brook Lopez would be a fantastic fit. The 7’1 big man spent seven years anchoring the Bucks' defense after leaving the Lakers in 2018. Now, he's in his second season with the Clippers. Lopez’s ability to space the floor and protect the rim makes him a unique option. The 38-year-old is on an expiring contract, and the Clippers are already rumored to be having trade talks (subscription required).
The former All-Star big man is averaging 14.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 24.1 minutes per game to start this season. He is shooting 56.1 percent from the field and 42.1 percent on his 3-point attempts. Lopez already has four 20-point games and has blocked a shot in seven of his 11 contests.
The Lakers quickly dumped Kevon Looney from the rotation after his struggles. Jarred Vanderbilt has stepped into that role, but LA doesn’t want to have to solely rely on an undersized option. Sandro Mamukelashvili’s ability to stretch the floor should have the purple and gold even more interested in Lopez.
Brook Lopez gives Lakers’ elite offense a new wrinkle
Mamu has played the backup four and five to start this season. He has been an upgrade over Rui Hachimura thanks to his versatility. Having the ability to go five-out does wonders. The Lakers have a 128.1 offensive rating and 13.6 net rating with Mamu on the floor.
Los Angeles only gets more dangerous with two floor-spacing big men. The Clippers are 12.1 points per 100 possessions better with Lopez in the game. He started the season coming off the bench, but Tyronn Lue quickly changed course after a 1-5 start. The Clippers are 2-3 with the veteran starting at the five and just knocked off the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Lopez is a career 35.3 percent 3-point shooter. His percentage has leaped to 37.0 percent over the last five years with 1.7 makes per game. He is comfortable spotting up, setting screens, and making a few plays. The Lakers could use Mamu or Lopez as the screener to put defenses in a bind.
The Lakers wouldn’t just be better on the offensive end of the floor if they traded for Lopez.
Brook Lopez trade ensures Lakers have 48 minutes of rim protection
The Lakers have a 112.8 defensive rating with Walker Kessler on the floor, which would be middle of the road for the full season. It balloons to 118.1 when he’s on the bench. LA doesn’t have another rim protector or shot blocker. They are relying on Mamu, Vando, and Adou Thiero to try to cobble together enough inside presence to maintain leads.
The Clippers have a 1.4 net rating with Lopez in the game and a 110.0 defensive rating. The Lakers' second unit is bleeding points because of their lack of rim protection, but Lopez is proving at 38 years old that he can still quarterback an elite defense. Only eight teams are 110.0 or better for the full season.
Luka led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 with 48 minutes of rim protection from Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. The Lakers need another option behind Kessler. Lopez is on a $9.1 million expiring contract that Los Angeles could acquire for Jaden Hardy and three second-round draft picks. It would be an all-in move, but the Lakers need Lopez.
Lakers have the ideal role for Brook Lopez
The Lakers can’t expect Kessler to be their only big man all season. LA has just three second-round draft picks and one first-round swap to trade. It is not much. The purple and gold know they have a need at the five, but their limited assets are preventing them from making the move.
Lopez is available and shouldn’t draw more than a handful of second-round draft picks. He turns 39 in April and is on an expiring contract. The Clippers want to avoid the bottom three, but need assets to rebuild.
The Lakers can use Lopez as a 20-minute-per-game rim protector and floor spacer. Things didn’t go to plan in his first stint with the purple and gold, but the franchise is different now. They have Luka Doncic to feed Lopez open looks and want to chase a championship. Lopez helped the Bucks win the title in 2021. This could be a perfect match if the Lakers can muster up enough draft capital to get the trade over the finish line.
The Los Angeles Lakers need a backup center, and Brook Lopez is available. Trading with the crosstown rival is never easy, but the Clippers need assets. This deal could be a win-win that improves the Lakers' title odds. Rob Pelinka should already be making the call.
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