NBA Free Agency is in full swing, and things are heating up across the league—especially for the Milwaukee Bucks, who’ve already seen some key changes. One of the biggest moves? Veteran center Brook Lopez is leaving town, but not in the direction many expected.
Lopez, a former All-Star and key piece in Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run, has agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 37-year-old brings his floor-spacing, rim protection, and deep playoff experience to a Clippers team already stacked with stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
But the twist? Lopez was close to joining the other L.A. team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
That was, until uncertainty around LeBron James’ future reportedly caused Lopez to hesitate. “They were one of the finalists for Brook Lopez,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said. “The uncertainty around LeBron James' situation… has factored into Brook Lopez's decision.”
James' agent Rich Paul recently addressed the speculation, saying, “He knows the Lakers are building for the future… but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.” LeBron has since picked up his $52.6 million player option, but that came after Lopez had already turned his focus to the Clippers, where he reunites with former coach Lawrence Frank and teammate Ivica Zubac.
Meanwhile, the Bucks lose one of their most reliable bigs. Lopez averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds, per game over seven seasons in Bucks. His presence will be missed especially by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who benefited from the spacing Lopez provided.
With their title window narrowing and roster changes underway, Milwaukee now looks to retool. But for now, they’ll do so without their trusted rim protector and one more free agent chase ends in frustration for the Lakers.