The Los Angeles Lakers desperately need a new starting center and more size next season, as highlighted by their early exit from the 2025 Playoffs. But with limited cap space, GM Rob Pelinka and the front office will have to get creative.
One potential target? Former Laker Brook Lopez, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Despite turning 37, Lopez is expected to draw plenty of interest around the league. According to veteran NBA reporter Gery Woelfel, interest in the veteran center is already high, and not just from Los Angeles.
“There’ll be plenty of interest in him,” one NBA executive said, before adding with a smirk: “I’m sure the Lakers have already talked to him.”
Lopez re-signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in the summer of 2023 on a two-year, $48 million deal. Though the LA Lakers were linked to him at the time, he ultimately chose to stay in Milwaukee.
Now, the 2021 NBA champion and former All-Defensive Team member might be on the move again. Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over 80 games this past season, showing he still has something left in the tank
