Brook Lopez signed a two-year, $18 million deal with the LA Clippers after passing on a potential starting role with the Lakers due to uncertainty around LeBron James' future.
Veteran center Brook Lopez, 37, had long been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, but ultimately signed with their city rivals, the LA Clippers, in free agency. He agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal.
Free throws this season
Los Angeles Lakers
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The Lakers reportedly showed interest in Lopez and discussed a potential starting role.
However, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, Lopez grew hesitant due to the uncertainty surrounding LeBron James' future with the franchise.
"Free agent center Brook Lopez, who league sources said had strongly considered the Lakers and the potential starting role, grew wary of the uncertainty around James' future with the team and opted to sign with the rival LA Clippers, where he will be a backup," ESPN reported.
There are growing whispers that LeBron's future in L.A. is shaky. The Lakers did not offer him an extension beyond the 2025–26 season, and James was not consulted on two of the team's major decisions in 2025.
ESPN's sources say he believes the Lakers are focusing more on the long term than winning now — a concern for the 40-year-old, who is still chasing championships.
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James, who has been with the Lakers since 2018, holds a no-trade clause and recently opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season.
However, if he and the Lakers were to agree on a buyout, James would become an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team of his choice. The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly among the teams that would be interested in bringing him back.
As for Lopez, he previously re-signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in the summer of 2023 on a two-year, $48 million deal, turning down interest from the Lakers at the time, too.
The 2021 NBA champion and former All-Defensive Team member averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over 80 games last season.
To address their need at center this offseason, the Lakers instead turned to Deandre Ayton.
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