After a disappointing playoff run that exposed major flaws in the frontcourt, the Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the offseason with a clear top priority: upgrading the center position. With Jaxson Hayes unable to meet expectations and Rudy Gobert dominating the Lakers in the postseason, the team is now eyeing veteran options to stabilize their interior defense and add much-needed versatility.
Los Angeles Lakers Zero In on Brook Lopez, Clint Capela to Bolster Center Depth in Free Agency
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, LA is expected to make a serious run at signing Brook Lopez, who just completed a two-year, $48 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. While Lopez isn’t the elite defender he once was, he remains a capable rim protector and reliable stretch-five—shooting 37.3% from three last season while averaging 13 points, five rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
“Numerous rival teams are bracing for the center-craving Los Angeles Lakers to make a run at luring Lopez away from the Bucks,” Fischer reported. LA has history with Lopez, who played in Los Angeles during the 2017–18 season. Now 37, he fits the mold of a veteran presence who can space the floor and anchor the defense behind Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Clint Capela is another name on the Lakers’ radar. The Atlanta Hawks big man brings a different skill set as a high-level rebounder and pick-and-roll finisher, offering another route for the Lakers to address their frontcourt void.
Even if the Lakers ultimately opt for Capela or another less-publicized target, the belief around the league is that Lopez could be on the move after seven seasons with the Bucks. His departure would be a blow to Milwaukee, particularly as the team looks to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy and competitive.
No matter who they pursue, the Lakers appear committed to fixing their frontcourt—and finally finding the rim protector they’ve been missing.