Brook Lopez was strongly linked with the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the start of free agency, but he quickly came to agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $18 million deal. Sources tell ESPN that the uncertainty surrounding the future of LeBron James with the Lakers contributed to his decision to sign with the Clippers.
Lopez will have a backup role with the Clippers behind Ivica Zubac, whereas he would have started for the Lakers had he signed with them. The Lakers instead pivoted to Deandre Ayton, who was unexpectedly bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers before the start of free agency.
Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.9 blocks in 31.8 minutes across 80 games for the Milwaukee Bucks. Lopez shot 37.3 percent on three-pointers last season. Lopez spent seven seasons with the Bucks and won a title in 2023.
The Lakers lost Lopez to the Bucks in 2018 after the arrival of James during that same offseason.
