Milwaukee Bucks free agent center Brook Lopez has drawn some serious interest from Western Conference teams. The Houston Rockets, in particular, have had their sights set on Lopez for some time. However, a recent report from NBA insider Marc Stein indicates that a deal between Lopez and the Rockets is “not happening.”
One more Western Conference team, though, is reportedly interested in throwing its hat in the Lopez free agent sweepstakes. One of his former teams: the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers Have Interest in Brook Lopez
According to a report by Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakers have expressed interest in pursuing Lopez after they waived Mo Bamba and declined Malik Beasley’s option. The moves, according to the report, mean the Lakers will have a $12.4 million tax-payer exception that they can use on free agents.
McMenamin reported, then, that the Lakers may want to use this full exception on Lopez:
“Among the players L.A. has interest in signing with the non-tax midlevel are Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown and Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, sources told ESPN.”
Lopez, of course, played for the Lakers during the 2017-18 NBA season, prior signing his five-year deal with the Bucks. In his lone season with Los Angeles, Lopez averaged 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. His 36.5% three point shooting that year was the best in his career until he shot 37.4% this past season.
The Lakers Have No Chance of Luring Brook Lopez Away from the Milwaukee Bucks
Aside from sunny California and the chance to play for former Bucks assistant head coach Darvin Ham, the Lakers have nothing to offer Lopez. In fact, it would be the better move, both financially and in terms of winning, for Lopez to remain with Milwaukee.
Since the Bucks own Lopez’s Bird rights, they can sign him for a lot more money than the $12.4 million that the Lakers can offer him. According to rumors, Lopez is seeking a three-year deal worth $54 million, or $18 million per season. This is something Milwaukee can afford due to the Bird rights.
While the Lakers did make it to the Western Conference Finals this season, they did so as the seventh seed in the West. An aging roster that is mostly controlled by LeBron James is not one that is appealing. While the Bucks have an older team as well, Lopez has a role in it that allows him to thrive.
Furthermore, all recent indications and reports are the Lopez and the Bucks are working on a new contract that will keep the center in Milwaukee for the rest of his career.
Lopez to LA is not happening.
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