NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers might sign $50 million Milwaukee Bucks star to bolster squad around Luka-LeBron power duo | NBA News
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to target Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez in free agency to bolster their frontcourt for the 2025-26 NBA season. With Anthony Davis no longer anchoring the center position, the Lakers need a reliable defensive presence who can complement LeBron James and Luka Dončić’s offensive firepower.
Why Brook Lopez Fits the Los Angeles Lakers’ Needs
Brook Lopez, a 37-year-old veteran, brings a unique skill set that aligns with the Los Angeles Lakers’ requirements. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn recently analyzed his strengths and weaknesses, highlighting why he could be a valuable addition.
Pros of Signing Lopez:
LeBron James and Alex Caruso in Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Nathaniel S. Butler/ Getty Images)
– Elite rim protection: “Has been arguably the NBA’s best stationary rim-protector since he left the Lakers in 2018,” Quinn noted. (H/t: Sporting News)– Strong defensive presence: Led the NBA in contested shots per game in every healthy season with the Bucks. – Reliable three-point shooting: A consistent 37% shooter from deep, providing spacing for LeBron and Dončić. – Solid free-throw shooting: Hit 82.6% from the line last season. – High durability: Played 80 games in 2024-25, proving his reliability.
Cons of Signing Lopez:
– Limited mobility: Struggles in pick-and-roll defense and drop coverage without Giannis Antetokounmpo’s help. – Declining post-up game: Below-average efficiency in post-offense last season. – Best suited as a backup: May not handle heavy minutes due to age and movement limitations.
Brook Lopez’s Potential Role with the Los Angeles Lakers
Despite his age, Brook Lopez’s skill set fills critical gaps for the Los Angeles Lakers: 1. Defensive Anchor – His shot-contesting ability would solidify the Lakers’ interior defense. 2. Floor Spacing – His three-point shooting keeps defenses honest, opening driving lanes for LeBron and Dončić. 3. Veteran Leadership – A proven winner (2021 NBA champion) who understands playoff basketball.
Estimated Contract Value
Lopez’s market value is projected at $10-12 million per year, a reasonable price for a team managing salary cap constraints.
| Stat | 2024-25 Season |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 12.4 |
| Blocks per game | 1.9 |
| 3P% | 37.3% |
| FT% | 82.6% |
| Games played | 80 |
While Lopez isn’t the All-Star he once was, his specialized skills make him a low-risk, high-reward target for the Lakers. As Quinn pointed out, his rim protection and shooting remain elite, even if his mobility has declined.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to land 6-feet-9 big man to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic and bolster title oddsIf the Lakers can secure him at the right price, Lopez could be the missing piece to balance their roster for another championship push.
