The Los Angeles Lakers ' lack of a reliable center has become a major weakness in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Anthony Davis now in Dallas, the Lakers' thin frontcourt has been exposed, and a reunion with Milwaukee Bucks star Brook Lopez could be the solution this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers' Center Crisis Exposed in Playoffs
The Los Angeles Lakers' decision to trade Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic left a massive hole in their frontcourt. Their current options at center—Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len—have been ineffective:
Jaxson Hayes:
- 1.8 PPG
- 2.0 RPG
- 0.3 APG
- 0.3 BPG
- Only 7.6 MPG
Alex Len:
- Limited to garbage-time minutes
Minnesota has capitalized on this weakness, taking a 3-1 series lead. The Lakers attempted to fix the issue by acquiring Mark Williams from Charlotte at the trade deadline, but the deal was rescinded.
As Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka stated, "the franchise will look to find a center in the offseason." Given their limited resources, a cost-effective veteran like Brook Lopez makes sense.
Why Brook Lopez Fits the Lakers
Brook Lopez, who played for the Lakers in 2017-18, has since become a key piece for the Milwaukee Bucks, helping them win the 2021 NBA title while earning two All-Defensive Team selections. Despite turning 37 this April, he remains productive:
Lopez’s 2023-24 Season Stats:
Category
Stat
Key Reasons to Sign Lopez:
- Elite Rim Protection: Still a strong shot-blocker (1.9 BPG).
- Floor-Spacing Ability: Reliable three-point shooter (37.3%).
- Championship Experience: Knows what it takes to win.
- Affordable Option: His next contract will likely be cheaper than his current $48M deal.
Brook Lopez enters free agency this summer, and the Lakers could offer him a short-term deal to stabilize their center position. His familiarity with the organization and ability to stretch the floor would complement Doncic and LeBron James.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors might bag 6-foot-10 Atlanta Hawks center to boost title hopes with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
With limited options available, Lopez represents a realistic and impactful target for Los Angeles. Bringing him back could be the move that shores up their biggest weakness heading into next season.
(H/t: Caleb Gebrewold, The Sporting News)
Los Angeles Lakers' Center Crisis Exposed in Playoffs
The Los Angeles Lakers' decision to trade Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic left a massive hole in their frontcourt. Their current options at center—Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len—have been ineffective:
Jaxson Hayes:
- 1.8 PPG
- 2.0 RPG
- 0.3 APG
- 0.3 BPG
- Only 7.6 MPG
Alex Len:
- Limited to garbage-time minutes
Minnesota has capitalized on this weakness, taking a 3-1 series lead. The Lakers attempted to fix the issue by acquiring Mark Williams from Charlotte at the trade deadline, but the deal was rescinded.
As Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka stated, "the franchise will look to find a center in the offseason." Given their limited resources, a cost-effective veteran like Brook Lopez makes sense.
Why Brook Lopez Fits the Lakers
Brook Lopez, who played for the Lakers in 2017-18, has since become a key piece for the Milwaukee Bucks, helping them win the 2021 NBA title while earning two All-Defensive Team selections. Despite turning 37 this April, he remains productive:
Lopez’s 2023-24 Season Stats:
Category
Stat
Key Reasons to Sign Lopez:
- Elite Rim Protection: Still a strong shot-blocker (1.9 BPG).
- Floor-Spacing Ability: Reliable three-point shooter (37.3%).
- Championship Experience: Knows what it takes to win.
- Affordable Option: His next contract will likely be cheaper than his current $48M deal.
Brook Lopez enters free agency this summer, and the Lakers could offer him a short-term deal to stabilize their center position. His familiarity with the organization and ability to stretch the floor would complement Doncic and LeBron James.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors might bag 6-foot-10 Atlanta Hawks center to boost title hopes with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
With limited options available, Lopez represents a realistic and impactful target for Los Angeles. Bringing him back could be the move that shores up their biggest weakness heading into next season.
(H/t: Caleb Gebrewold, The Sporting News)
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