EXCLUSIVE: Lakers' SECRET Weapon to Convince Brook Lopez Abandoning Milwaukee REVEALED!
The Los Angeles Lakers are aggressively pursuing veteran centers in free agency, with former NBA All-Star Brook Lopez emerging as their primary target, according to multiple league sources12.
Lopez, 37, is entering unrestricted free agency after his two-year, $48 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks expired. According to insider Jake Fischer, rival teams expect the Lakers to "make a run" at Lopez this summer, with growing belief throughout the league that the veteran center could depart Milwaukee.
The Lakers' interest in Lopez stems from their desperate need for frontcourt depth following last season's playoff shortcomings. Lopez remains a reliable rim protector and effective stretch-five, shooting 37.3% from three-point range while maintaining 50.9% overall field goal percentage during the 2024-25 season.
"Perhaps the most established center headed for the open market is the ring-winning Brook Lopez," Fischer noted. "This time around, however, numerous rival teams are bracing for the center-craving Los Angeles Lakers to make a run at luring Lopez away from the Bucks."
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The Lakers are also targeting Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela, who averaged 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds last season while shooting 55.9% from the field4. Capela represents an athletic, affordable option via the taxpayer mid-level exception that would complement Luka Dončić's playstyle.
Los Angeles has been actively exploring both trade and free agency markets, with ESPN's Dave McMenamin reporting that the Lakers have inquired about multiple centers including Onyeka Okongwu, Nic Claxton, and Robert Williams III.
The Lakers' pursuit of veteran centers aligns with their championship aspirations built around the Dončić-LeBron James pairing. With limited financial flexibility due to salary cap constraints, the team is focusing on players available through the taxpayer mid-level exception worth approximately $5.6 million.
Both Lopez and Capela would provide the Lakers with experienced options who can protect the rim while offering different skill sets - Lopez as a floor-spacing threat and Capela as a dominant rebounder and pick-and-roll finisher.