Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Lakers Miss On Big Signing Because Of LeBron James

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 9:45 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have been rather quiet in free agency.

So far, they've lost Dorian Finney-Smith and signed Jake LaRavia, all while LeBron James puts pressure on the front office to make big moves.

Ironically, James' stance and all the rumors around whether he will push for a trade if they don't bolster the roster may have cost them the big man they were looking for.

According to ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers were close to getting Brook Lopez, who wound up signing with the Clippers instead:

"They were one of the finalists for Brook Lopez, we were all surprised they didn't get Brook Lopez," Shelburne said on NBA Today.

Shelburne added that James' situation deterred the former Milwaukee Bucks star from returning to the Lakers in free agency:

"From what I understand, the uncertainty around LeBron James' situation—that that quote caused, that we've all been talking about for three days since the quote was issued—has factored into Brook Lopez's decision."

The Lakers have been in the mix for a big man dating back to last season's trade deadline, when a failed physical botched their trade for Mark Williams.

Their lack of size was painfully evident in the playoffs in their five-game loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, especially given that coach J.J. Redick didn't seem to trust Jaxson Hayes to play heavy minutes.

Now, the Lakers are back on the clock and trying to please a star whose discontent might only keep driving potential signings away.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: