Brook Lopez is in the absolute dream scenario with the LA Clippers, and it should be easy to see why. At this point in his career, the veteran big man is no longer being asked to anchor a defense or carry a massive minute load every night. Instead, he will be coming off the bench behind Ivica Zubac, likely playing less than 20 minutes per game and providing the kind of interior stability that elevates this Clippers team.
For Lopez, this is about as ideal of a situation as you could draw up. He gets to play for a deep and talented contender without being overworked. He gets to operate in a defined role with very little pressure. And more importantly, he joins a team that just added John Collins and Bradley Beal this offseason, giving them one of the deepest rotations in the league from top to bottom.
The Clippers will be looking to maximize every part of their rotation to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference. Having a big like Lopez available off the bench gives them a reliable option who brings shot-blocking, high basketball IQ, and a reliable shot from beyond the arc. For a second unit that will feature guys like Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and even Chris Paul now as of Monday afternoon, Lopez’s presence offers another steady veteran hand.
Brook Lopez should thrive in Los Angeles
It also cannot be overstated just how much a smaller role like this can do for Lopez’s longevity. At 37 years old, he has already surpassed the expectations most had for him after his early-career injuries. Playing in a big-minutes role in Milwaukee was mostly sustainable for him, but even still, being able to rest more between games and preserve his legs could easily add another year or two onto his career.
The crazy thing is that LA is getting a guy that was first-team all-defense just two years ago on a very affordable deal. The Bucks leaned on him heavily during their run to a championship, and now the Clippers are going to have him as a luxury instead of a necessity.
This is the kind of late-career role that most players can only hope to land in. And if the Clippers find themselves a couple of rounds into the playoffs or deeper, it would not be surprising at all to see Lopez wind up playing a much bigger role in meaningful moments next spring.