The Lakers are looking to enhance their roster, potentially by bringing back Brook Lopez, despite retaining much of last season’s talent.
The Lakers have experienced two significant developments ahead of free agency: D’Angelo Russell opting into his contract and LeBron James opting out, yet willing to take a discount to free up the full mid-level exception. These moves have provided the team with considerable flexibility entering free agency, potentially paving the way for significant acquisitions.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Brook Lopez is a potential trade target for the Lakers. League sources indicate that Klay Thompson is currently the Lakers’ top target, with Jonas Valančiūnas also being considered as a veteran center option. The Lakers are exploring trade scenarios involving D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent, with Lopez being one of their primary acquisition targets.
Trading for Lopez would be a strategic move for the Lakers. Last season, Lopez averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Milwaukee Bucks, outperforming any contributions from Christian Wood or Jaxson Hayes for the Lakers. Additionally, Lopez shot 36% from beyond the arc, providing the type of stretch-five the Lakers have lacked during the Anthony Davis era. Despite being 36, Lopez remains an elite defensive big man.
While Lopez would be a fresh addition, it wouldn’t be his first stint with the Lakers. He played for the team during the 2017-18 season, averaging 13 points and four rebounds over 72 games.
A trade with Milwaukee is feasible salary-wise, involving players like Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Russell. However, whether the Bucks would accept such a deal or what alternative trade they might consider remains to be seen.
This situation will test the negotiation skills of Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations. Free agency is already heating up with numerous possibilities, even before it officially begins.
