Milwaukee Bucks star’s departure rumors are ‘growing,’ he could end up on the LA Lakers

Jake Fischer says there’s a ‘growing belief’ Brook Lopez could leave for the LA Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be an active team come NBA Free Agency. Even after the 2025 NBA Draft, the Lakers have yet to find a solid center who could fit well alongside the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Well, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers’ hunt for an elite center could end with Lopez joining the roster.

“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 reported on The Stein Line.

Fischer did mention that the Lakers could go after the Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela, but the bottom line remains that the Bucks could part ways with Lopez in the next week or so.

“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,” he added.

Brook Lopez’s name has been a mainstay in NBA free agency rumors

In seven seasons with the Bucks, Lopez has averaged 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for the team.

But Lopez’s biggest strength isn’t his scoring or rebounding, it’s his ability to knock down three-pointers, as Lopez has shot 35.7% from deep, albeit being a center.

Keeping that in mind, Lopez has been tipped to leave the Bucks this offseason. While the Lakers have shown interest in him, another Western Conference team could seek his services.

The Golden State Warriors have been linked to Lopez. Considering Warriors’ Kevon Looney might depart from the franchise, it makes sense for the Dubs to replace him with another elite center.