As NBA free agency negotiations kick off next week, the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to make waves in the Western Conference. With LeBron James widely expected to exercise his $52.5 million player option for the 2025-26 season, this could be his final year with the Lakers, either due to retirement or a potential move to another team. The pressure is on for the Lakers to build a championship-caliber roster around James, and they’re reportedly targeting a familiar face to bolster their lineup: Brook Lopez, a stretch-5 who could transform them into a dominant force in the West.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer in a guest post for Marc Stein’s newsletter, “numerous rival teams are bracing for the center-craving Los Angeles Lakers to make a run at luring Lopez away from the Bucks.” This move has caught the attention of the league, as Lopez’s unique skill set could elevate the Lakers to new heights.
A Familiar Face Returns
Brook Lopez is no stranger to Los Angeles. He spent the 2017-18 season with the Lakers, acquired via trade, before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks the following offseason. During his tenure with the Bucks, Lopez became a cornerstone of their 2021 championship team, providing elite rim protection and offensive spacing. Although he missed the LeBron James era in Los Angeles by just one year, a reunion could be the key to unlocking the Lakers’ full potential.
Lopez’s reinvention as a stretch-5 has made him one of the most versatile big men in the NBA. Early in his career, he attempted fewer than five three-pointers per season. However, embracing the modern NBA’s emphasis on spacing and high-volume three-point shooting, Lopez transformed into a floor-spacing center, taking hundreds of threes per season. Last year, he averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, shooting an impressive 50.9% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc.
Why Lopez Is the Perfect Fit
The Lakers’ interest in Lopez comes as no surprise. With Anthony Davis anchoring the frontcourt, adding a stretch-5 like Lopez would create a dynamic frontcourt duo. His ability to space the floor would open driving lanes for LeBron James and create opportunities for shooters like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell. Defensively, Lopez’s rim protection (1.6 blocks per game last season) would complement Davis, forming a formidable defensive wall.
The Lakers have struggled to find consistent center play alongside Davis, often relying on smaller lineups or less versatile bigs. Lopez’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim addresses both offensive and defensive needs, making him a “monster” fit for the Lakers’ system. His veteran presence and championship experience would also provide leadership for a team aiming to maximize James’s final years.
A Game-Changer for the West
If the Lakers successfully lure Lopez away from Milwaukee, they could emerge as the Western Conference’s dominant force. The combination of LeBron’s playmaking, Davis’s two-way dominance, and Lopez’s spacing and defense would create matchup nightmares for opponents. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors would struggle to counter the Lakers’ size, versatility, and star power.
Moreover, Lopez’s signing could signal the Lakers’ intent to go all-in for a championship in 2025-26. With James’s future uncertain beyond next season, the front office is under pressure to deliver a roster capable of competing for a title. Lopez’s proven track record and adaptability make him a low-risk, high-reward target in free agency.
The NBA Is Watching
The Lakers’ pursuit of Brook Lopez has sent shockwaves through the league, as few expected them to target the Bucks’ stretch-5. If they pull off this move, the NBA’s balance of power could shift dramatically. Lopez’s ability to reinvent himself as a modern big man, combined with his championship pedigree, makes him the ideal piece to elevate the Lakers from contenders to champions.
As free agency unfolds, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if they can secure Lopez and build a roster worthy of LeBron James’s final chapter. One thing is clear: with Lopez in the fold, the Lakers could become the West’s most feared team.