The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the NBA offseason with a few major needs. Number one on the need list is likely going to be adding an upgrade at the center position.
During the 2024-25 season, it was clear that the Lakers needed help in that area. Jaxson Hayes simply wasn’t able to get the job done. Thankfully, there are plenty of options this offseason.
A couple of those options are Brook Lopez and Clint Capela. Both players have been linked to Los Angeles in the past, but this offseason could be the time the Lakers actually pursue them.
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
With that in mind, a new report has been made when it comes to Los Angeles and Lopez.
Read more: LeBron James Under Fire As Lakers Fans React to Career Decision
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams are expecting to see the Lakers pursue Lopez when free agency opens. Even if Los Angeles does not sign him, there is a very good chance that he will sign somewhere other than with the Milwaukee Bucks where he has played the last seven years.
“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,” Fischer wrote. “Even if the Lakers plan to address their center void by pursuing Atlanta’s Clint Capela instead or perhaps a target not as frequently discussed, there is a growing belief Lopez will indeed be on the move next week after a highly successful seven-season stint alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
Lopez had a previous stint with the Lakers back in the 2017-18 season. He was productive during that lone year in Los Angeles.
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Bucks, Lopez played in 80 games and started in all of them. He averaged 13 points per game to go along with five rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.8 assists, while shooting 50.9 percent from the floor and 37.3 percent from the three-point line.
Read more: Pacers Linked to Former No 1 Pick in NBA Free Agency
Those numbers would be a big-time upgrade for the Lakers at center.
Even though Lopez is now 37 years old, he’s a more than capable rim protector, he can rebound, and he can stretch the floor and shoot threes. Those are all boxes that Los Angeles needs to check with whoever its center ends up being.
On the outside looking in, Lopez seems like a great fit alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. With that being said, it will be interesting to see if the Lakers make a move for him or if they decide to go with a different option.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.