Brook Lopez might not have signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency if it weren't for.. LeBron James? Yes, you read that right.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst released a piece on Friday detailing the Lakers' shift in prioritizing Luka Doncic over LeBron. Lopez was looped in because they reported that he "strongly considered the Lakers and the potential starting role," but that he "grew wary of the uncertainty around James' future with the team."
Lopez preferred to be a backup for the Clippers over a possible starter for the Lakers. That decision came after Rich Paul released a statement to ESPN's Shams Charania that said he and LeBron will evaluate what's best for his career, hinting that he could leave LA.
LeBron picked up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, but that was after the Lakers didn't reach out to him about signing an extension. The uncertainty about the 40-year-old's future with the organization he's been with since 2018 was enough for Lopez to pivot to the Clippers.
LeBron's Lakers uncertainty led Brook Lopez to Clippers
Lopez signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Clippers, reuniting the center with Lawrence Frank, who coached Lopez in Brooklyn.
The new Clippers center is 37, but he's coming off a season with the Bucks where he averaged 13 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 50.9% from the field and 37.3% from three. Lopez started in all 80 games he played. In LA, he'll easily be one of the top backup bigs in the league.
Like the Lakers, the Clippers are prioritizing future flexibility, but they're still positioned to return to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. A lot of it will rely on health, specifically when it comes to Kawhi Leonard. Throwing another veteran with championship experience into the mix will also help.
Lopez might've thought he'd be reuniting with the Lakers, but instead, he's a Clipper. He got the better end of the deal. To think it all happened because LeBron might leave Los Angeles, which would be a massive bonus for the Clippers.
The Lakers being dysfunctional is always fun. It was smart of Lopez to avoid it!