With NBA free agency fast approaching and roster reconstruction underway in the post-Anthony Davis era, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to prioritize the center position this summer—one name drawing early attention: Milwaukee Bucks veteran Brook Lopez.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers have “long been fans” of Lopez, a player they briefly employed during the 2017-18 season before he became a staple of the Bucks’ defense and a pillar of their championship run. Lopez, who turns 37 this offseason, is headed for free agency again, and several league sources believe the Lakers could make a move.
While there’s no confirmation of formal discussions between the sides, one executive jokingly noted he’s “sure the Lakers have already talked to him,” a nod to the open secret that Lopez remains a favored target in L.A. circles. Born in North Hollywood and raised in the San Fernando Valley, a reunion with the Lakers would be a return home of sorts.
And according to Hardwood Paroxysm, his time with the Bucks may be coming to an end.
“The team is likely to retain Kevin Porter Jr.2 and most everyone I’ve spoken to assume Brook Lopez is gone.
Brook Lopez Emerges as Logical Center Target for Los Angeles Lakers in Crucial Offseason
The Lakers’ need at center isn’t new. Anthony Davis publicly pushed for help at the position back in January — just weeks before his blockbuster trade to Dallas as part of the Luka Dončić deal. General manager Rob Pelinka tried to fill the void ahead of the February 6 trade deadline by acquiring Charlotte’s Mark Williams, but the deal fell through after the Lakers’ medical team reportedly raised concerns about Williams’ long-term health.
Instead, the team leaned on Jaxson Hayes, who performed admirably in the regular season — averaging 8.1 points on 75.8 percent shooting and 5.5 rebounds over 32 starts — but was largely ineffective in the playoffs. Hayes saw just 30 total minutes across four games in L.A.’s first-round loss to the Timberwolves and didn’t play at all in the elimination game.
After that defeat, LeBron James referenced Davis’ midseason comments about the team’s frontcourt issues but avoided directly criticizing the roster. “No comment,” James said when asked about playing without a true starting-caliber center. “My guy AD said what he needed, and he was gone the following week.”
Enter Lopez, who, while no longer the same defensive anchor he was during his All-Defensive team years, remains a productive and savvy big man. In 80 starts for Milwaukee last season, Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three. He’s missed just nine games total over the past three seasons — an impressive run of durability considering his age and previous back issues.
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Lopez would not be a long-term solution, but for a team trying to keep its playoff window open with LeBron and Dončić, he offers a combination of floor spacing, rim protection, and veteran reliability. His addition wouldn’t solve all of the Lakers’ interior depth issues, but it would raise the floor considerably.
Whether through trade or free agency, the Lakers are expected to be aggressive in finding help at center. Given Lopez’s history with the franchise, his local ties, and the team’s immediate needs, a reunion is not only plausible — it might just be the most logical move they can make this summer.