Lakers GM Rob Pelinka doesn’t have a whole lot to work with heading into NBA free agency tomorrow. With his team mostly spent out, there are only really a few names that the Lakers can pursue, and even then, it will require giving up at least one of their prized role players.
One such name is NBA champion Brook Lopez, who has been huge for the Bucks as a veteran big man who can block shots and space the floor. Back in 2017, Lopez was a Laker, but his stint ended after a single season and 74 games. As an unrestricted free agent his summer, he could be lured from the Bucks for the right price, and LA is apparently keen on bringing him back to play with LeBron and AD.
“Among the players L.A. has interest in signing with the non-tax midlevel are Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown and Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez,” sources told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
After declining the team option for Malik Beasley, and waiving Mo Bamba, the Lakers will remain below the luxury tax, which means they can use the full $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception to fill out their roster. While that may not be enough to lure Brook Lopez, it will surely bring in someone of value to help the Purple and Gold.
Bruce Brown Could Be Available For The Lakers
If not Brook Lopez, who is almost certain to stay with the Bucks, the Lakers could make a run for Bruce Brown, who would be a near-perfect fit for Darvin Ham’s system.
“The Lakers are increasingly confident they can sign Nuggets free-agent wing Bruce Brown Jr. for the non-taxpayer midlevel exception starting at a projected $12.4 million, multiple league sources not authorized to speak publicly on the matter told The Athletic.”
Whether it’s Lopez, Brown, or some other mid-level player, the Lakers are bound to do something this summer. They didn’t clear out all that cap space for nothing, and LeBron James has pressure on that team to be competitive every single year.
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