Oct 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates with guard Damian Lillard (0) and center Brook Lopez (11) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Lakers Reportedly Already 'Talked to' Bucks Star

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated May 21, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to try to find a way to improve the roster. Losing in the first round of the playoffs was not the kind of finish they had in mind for this season.

After the trade for Mark Williams failed at the trade deadline, it was clear that the center position was going to be the biggest hole on the roster in the playoffs. That ended up being the case.

The top priority for the Lakers this offseason is to get a center who can help them protect the rim. That's why they have already reached out to a Bucks star player.

Los Angeles has reportedly already reached out to center Brook Lopez about a possible reunion. Lopez played for the Lakers for one season back in 2017-18.

Brook Lopez will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
So, how much interest will there be for the 37-year-old center?
“There’ll be plenty of interest in him,” an NBA executive responded before cynically adding, “I’m sure the Lakers have already talked to him.”
— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) May 21, 2025

Lopez is 37 years old and will be ending his career soon. The Bucks have kept him because of how good of a defensive player he is. He also stretches the floor well.

That is the exact kind of center the Lakers are looking to add, although Lopez is a bit older than someone they would like to bring in because of how young Luka Doncic is.

Despite his advanced age, Lopez has shown the ability to still play very well. The Lakers might still be okay with that as they try to chase a title with LeBron James nearing the end of his career, as well.

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Los Angeles is going to check around the league to add a center who is better than Jaxson Hayes. Unfortunately for them, the options are limited at that spot.

The Lakers don't have enough cap space to make a push for anyone in free agency. They would have to do a sign-and-trade in order to get one of those centers.

Los Angeles does have some assets to trade in order to land the kind of center that they want to pair with Doncic for years to come. Lopez would just be a stop-gap.

This past season, Lopez averaged 13 points, five rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

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This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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