All-Star center Brook Lopez might eventually become a one-year rental for the Los Angeles Lakers. Lopez is having the worst season of his career, and the Lakers will likely let him sign elsewhere in the offseason. The Lakers expected Lopez to play a big role this season but he is now averaging a career-low 12.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. According to Bill Oram of OC Register, Lopez might have reached his “breaking point” when Lakers coach Luke Walton benched him in the fourth quarter of their 127-105 loss to the Orlando Magic.
Los Angeles is expected to test the trade market for Lopez before the deadline on Thursday.
However, if they fail to find a taker for the 29-year-old center, the Lakers might eventually negotiate for a contract buyout, which will give Lopez a chance to sign with a contender.
Brook Lopez a perfect fit for the Houston Rockets?
The Houston Rockets are strong contenders to dethrone the Golden State Warriors this season, but they are still expected to look for ways to improve their roster. According Brian Patterson of House of Houston, the Rockets should strongly consider signing Brook Lopez if he gets bought out.
Patterson pointed out that the Rockets will not need Lopez to score a lot so there will be less pressure on him on the offensive end of the floor. The former Stanford standout can also produce if needed, especially now that he has developed decent three-point shooting, which makes him a perfect fit for Houston’s offense.
Lopez can also become a major factor with his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. He will also add size to the team, which might become a huge factor if the Rockets face the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs. He will be a low-risk, high-reward acquisition, as Houston can let him walk away this summer if the experiment fails.
Brook Lopez back to Brooklyn Nets?
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets will be an intriguing option for Lopez next summer. Lopez spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Nets before getting traded in the deal that sent D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn. According to Zach Collura of Nothing But Nets, it would not be a surprise if the Nets and Lopez consider a possible reunion this summer.
Lopez loves Brooklyn, as he stuck with the team despite having losing seasons over several years. The Nets also need a center like the California native since he can stretch the floor, making him a perfect fit for Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson’s system. Last season, Lopez averaged 20.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in 75 games for the Nets.
