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Lakers Miss Out on Free Agent Target Over LeBron James Issue

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 4:47 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers went into the offseason with an obvious hole at the center position. Trading for Luka Doncic came at the cost of Anthony Davis, which made their frontcourt even thinner. Their lack of a big man factored into how the Minnesota Timberwolves swept them in the first round.

One free agent target that made sense was Brook Lopez. Lopez has established himself as a rim protector and a floor-stretching big man, but he also has familiarity with the Lakers, having played for them the season before they signed LeBron James in 2018.

However, Lopez, a Los Angeles native, did not return to the Lakers but signed with the Los Angeles Clippers instead, where he is projected to be the backup center for ex-Lakers big man Ivivca Zubac.

So why didn't Lopez re-join the Lakers, where he would have likely been a starter? ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst revealed how the uncertainty surrounding LeBron James factored into why Lopez went to the Clippers instead.

"Free agent center Brook Lopez, who league sources said had strongly considered the Lakers and the potential starting role, grew wary of the uncertainty around James' future with the team and opted to sign with the rival LA Clippers, where he will be a backup," she wrote.

Passing the torch from one franchise superstar to another is never easy. The Lakers are attempting one of the most delicate transitions in NBA history. Story with ⁦@WindhorstESPN⁩ https://t.co/DYsOCbBKIL
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 11, 2025

Lopez is entering the final years of his NBA career, as he is 37 years old. Despite that, he is coming off a season where he averaged 13 points, five rebounds, and nearly two blocks a game while shooting almost 51% from the field and 37.3% from three.

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

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