The Los Angeles Clippers signed Brook Lopez to a two-year, $17.9 million contract in free agency, a steal of a deal. Lopez, who had been with the Bucks since 2018, will be one of the best backup bigs in the league. The organization was rightfully ecstatic about getting Lopez, who is excited to return to LA.
On Monday, Lopez spoke at his introductory media availability, saying how he felt about the Clippers being one of his free agency options:
“Everything happened pretty fast, but looking at my options, I was just thrilled the Clippers reached out and were one of them. You know, they’ve been a great team for quite a while now. They have a ton of great players, obviously Hall of Famers, all sorts of great young players. I got Zuby [Ivica Zubac]. And there’s just a great chance to win a championship here.”
Lopez is from Southern California, and he even spent a season playing for the Lakers; however, this season will be his first playing for the Clippers. The Lakers were also one of his options, but he didn't want to sign there as their potential starting center due to the LeBron James drama. It says a lot that Lopez is as thrilled as he is to play for the Clippers and that he chose them over the Lakers.
Brook Lopez is 'thrilled' about playing for the Clippers
It's hard not to love Lopez because of his personality, even if he doesn't play for your favorite team.
Hearing him say that he thinks the Clippers have a "great chance" to win a title is icing on the cake. He helped the Bucks win a championship in 2021, so he knows what it takes to reach the mountaintop.
Lopez's presence off the court will be just as valuable as what he'll give on the court. You can't put a price on his leadership and the experience that he has after being in the league for 17 seasons (the 2025-26 season will be his 18th).
Being in LA again is special for Lopez for several reasons. For starters, it's where he's from. He'll get to be with Lawrence Frank again, who was his head coach in Brooklyn. Lopez will also get to reunite with Ivica Zubac, as the two played together for the Lakers. He even hinted that he and Zubac will even spend time on the floor together.
The Lopez signing continues to look better by the day.