The Los Angeles Lakers need to acquire a center this offseason after parting ways with Anthony Davis to acquire Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February.
Could the Lakers have eyes for one of Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks teammates? It's possible.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Lakers “have long been fans” of Milwaukee center Brook Lopez, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
“The Lakers have long been fans of Lopez, sources say. That doesn’t guarantee they will pursue him again, but the Lakers are indeed expected to be a player in the center market this summer. Sources say that Houston, furthermore, would once again have interest in signing Lopez if the Rockets are unable to retain Steven Adams,” Fischer wrote.
Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez and forward Bobby Portis
The Lakers are fans of Brook Lopez.
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Lopez played for the Lakers in 2017-18. He appeared in 80 games for the Bucks this season, averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 50.9% from the field, 37.3% from beyond the arc and 82.6% from the free-throw line.
A one-time All-Star, Lopez helped the Bucks win the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns in six games. The veteran center has played for the Brooklyn Nets, Lakers and Bucks.
Lopez has career averages of 15.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists. According to Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm, the big man is expected to leave the Bucks this offseason.
“Most everyone I’ve spoken to assume Brook Lopez is gone,” Moore wrote. “Lopez might be one of the bigger names on the market.
It will be fascinating to see if Lopez plays for the Lakers again.