NBA Free Agency: Brook Lopez Done in Milwaukee; Lakers Ready to Pounce

According to the latest from insider Jake Fischer at Bleacher Report, free agent big man Brook Lopez will be exiting the Milwaukee Bucks this coming week, and the Los Angeles Lakers will make a serious run at signing him.

There’s growing belief that Brook Lopez will leave Milwaukee this summer, and the Lakers are gearing up to pursue him, per @JakeLFischer

“This time around, however, numerous rival teams are bracing for the center-craving Los Angeles Lakers to make a run at luring Lopez away… pic.twitter.com/TFO0UkNKyG
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 29, 2025

The Lakers have an obvious need for a center, ever since they shipped out Anthony Davis in the Luka Doncic deal. A number of names have been linked to them since then, but Lopez, who has a championship ring as a crucial cog in the 2021 Bucks playoff run, would be an ideal fit to provide the defense, rim protection, and floor spacing they need.

“Numerous rival teams are bracing for the center-craving Los Angeles Lakers to make a run at luring Lopez away from the Bucks," says Fischer. "Even if the Lakers plan to address their center void by pursuing Atlanta's Clint Capela instead or perhaps a target not as frequently discussed, there is a growing belief Lopez will indeed be on the move next week after a highly successful seven-season stint alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

Lopez, 37, started 80 games for the Bucks this past season, averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots per game, while playing almost 32 minutes a night.

The 7-foot-1 center was runner-up for NBA Defensive Player of the Year just two seasons ago, and is a two-time All-NBA Defensive Team member.