The need for another quality center was extremely high this summer, as depth was a hole on the LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets. Coincidentally, these are three of the few most favored teams to win the Western Conference next season.
The Rockets already had Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams, but found a way to secure Clint Capela in a return to the city. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets acquired Jonas Valančiūnas in a trade that took some time to be officially processed through the trade portal.
Yet the Clippers added Brook Lopez, and even after the Kevin Durant trade and the Nuggets taking the Oklahoma City Thunder all the way to seven games, he still chose to sign to a role behind Ivica Zubac.
This comes across as puzzling; both situations sounded like a center's dream, especially for one trying to attain his second ring. However, when reporters asked Lopez about why he wanted to be in red, white, and blue, the former Defensive Player of the Year finalist gave a simple response.
Brook Lopez signed with the LA Clippers because of their title chances
Before free agency began, the LA Clippers had not made any trades. This meant that everything in the meetings Lawrence Frank had with Brook Lopez and his agent before the signing was an unfulfilled promise that LA was sure of their upcoming roster improvements.
By July 21st, Frank had proven to Lopez that he is a man of his word by acquiring three championship-quality players who will play a significant role in over 20 minutes per game next season.
Moreover, Lopez must feel great that he made up his mind on the Clippers, as another team interested in him was the Los Angeles Lakers, who had an open starting job at point guard with Luka Doncic and were the third seed in the previous season, another dream situation on a title contender.
In training camp, Lopez was asked about his choice, and he simply mentioned LA's chances of winning the NBA finals and the excitement that comes with the situation on the team and in the city.
Brook Lopez on why he signed with the LA Clippers, especially knowing it would be in a backup role: “I think it’s just the chance to win here. ... There’s a special feeling this year with this group. ... It was definitely the most exciting place to be.”
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) October 2, 2025
Additionally, playing behind Ivica Zubac will be uncomplicated, as most of the groundwork will already be laid out, and Lopez will just have to enter the game and provide two-way superiority for around 15 minutes.
Nonetheless, the answer Lopez delivered ultimately suggests that Lopez is optimistic about the Clippers' chances of winning a ring next season, even if their competition in the Western Conference has also reached a new level.