NBA Rumors: Lakers Linked to Bucks' Brook Lopez in Pursuit of Defensive Anchor

April 29, 2025 ,

Milwaukee Bucks, Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez Tops Lakers’ Wish List as They Pursue Defensive Upgrade at Center

According to the latest odds from BovadaOfficial, Brook Lopez (+250) has emerged as the favorite to become the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting center for the 2025-26 season. 

The Lakers, who ranked just 14th in defensive rating among playoff teams this year, are actively seeking a proven big man to shore up their defense—and Lopez appears to be their primary target.



The interest in Lopez is well-founded. The 37-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and his future in Milwaukee is suddenly uncertain. With Damian Lillard sidelined for the next year due to a torn Achilles and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term commitment in question, Lopez could be on the move. 

A reunion with the Lakers—where he played during the 2017-18 season—might be an ideal scenario.

Despite his age, Lopez remains one of the league’s top rim protectors and arguably the best stretch-five available. Last season, he averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 blocks while shooting 50.9% from the field and 37.3% from three. 

His combination of floor-spacing and defensive stability would address two critical needs for the Lakers, who struggled against size in their playoff series against Minnesota.

While Jaxson Hayes failed to establish himself as a long-term solution, Lopez could provide the veteran presence needed alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić. His ability to stretch the floor would create more driving lanes for the Lakers’ star duo—something they sorely lacked in the postseason.


Alternative Options for the Lakers

If Lopez isn’t available, the Lakers have other candidates in mind. Nic Claxton (+400) ranks second on Bovada’s list and could be acquired via trade. 

The 26-year-old is more athletic and under contract for three more seasons, but his lack of outside shooting makes him a less seamless fit next to ball-dominant stars like Dončić and LeBron.

Clint Capela (+500) is another potential target. The 30-year-old averaged 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds last season while shooting 55.9% from the field. However, like Claxton, he doesn’t provide spacing, which could hinder the Lakers’ offensive flow.

Draft picks and younger bigs like Dereck Lively II, Walker Kessler, and Myles Turner also appear on the list, but the Lakers seem focused on win-now moves to maximize LeBron’s remaining prime years.


Why Lopez Makes the Most Sense

Lopez stands out due to his fit, availability, and affordability. At this stage of his career, he likely won’t demand a max contract, and his skill set aligns perfectly with the Lakers’ needs. 

If the Bucks pivot toward a rebuild, Lopez could become one of the first major dominoes to fall in free agency—with Los Angeles as a logical destination. 


Image - Kyle Ross-Imagn

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