As they look to satisfy their offseason appetite, the Los Angeles Lakers “have an eye on trading for” Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, per Yahoo Sports insider Jake Fischer.
Context on LeBron James’ potential pay-cut: His exact next deal with the Lakers seems dependent on what talent Los Angeles can add over coming days. In addition to Klay Thompson, sources told @YahooSports the Lakers have an eye on trading for Brook Lopez: https://t.co/njTZVUprlY
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 30, 2024
The question is: do they have the enough to fit the bill?
How Lakers Can Convince Bucks to Surrender Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez Isn’t Alone
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant is worth keeping an eye on, the Lakers rumored to have conversed extensively with the Blazers about trading for the 30-year-old. With the Utah Jazz now fielding offers for rising star Lauri Markkanen, he’s a theoretical option. However, trading for Grant nor Markkanen is likely to be a simple endeavor.
With the Blazers in a rebuild, the player they could have interest in is Rui Hachimura. Yet, with Grant making $12.8 million more than Hachimura, the Lakers may also have to trade D’Angelo Russell as Gabe Vincent has minimal trade value.
This could become a problem from a value and logistical standpoint.
In a vacuum, Grant is more valuable than Hachimura and arguably Russell, but together the two Lakers might bring more to the table than Grant does individually. As the Blazers are unlikely to want to increase Russell’s salary in an extend-and-trade, trading him alone might not be feasible either. On top of that, with Portland’s backcourt situation, Russell is an awkward fit. As a result, L.A. would likely have to reroute him to a third team.
None of this makes the Lakers’ task impossible. Nonetheless, it speaks to the complexity of it.
The Most Realistic Option
In the case of Markkanen, Lakers are unlikely to beat out the offers the Jazz can get from the likes of the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have 10 first round picks through the 2028 NBA Draft, giving them the upper hand on Los Angeles in trade negotiations. In fact, the reality that they have limited trade assets is exactly what makes a player like Lopez a realistic target.
At 36 years old, Lopez is still an above-average starter. Nonetheless, because of his age, it would be unreasonable to demand as much as the Jazz would for the 27-year-old Markkanen. With a lower price tag, the ball could very well be in their court.
If so, is the value of adding Lopez worth the exchange?
Does LA Need Brook Lopez?
There’s a chance the Lakers could bring Lopez off the bench, but they’d likely start alongside Anthony Davis. This is a testament to his reputation around the league. Despite his advanced age, he’s still a feared shot-blocker and reliable 3-point threat.
Starting Lopez is also an opportunity to move Davis back to power forward. Davis has primarily played center the last two seasons, but he’s a hybrid big man that shouldn’t be pigeonholed at the pivot. Though the Lakers likely won’t be switching much when he’s on the court, their length and basketball IQ should allow them to excel in other defensive schemes.
With Lopez’s ability to stretch the floor, the lane should also clear up for the Lakers’ drives. To compare, Lopez has made 35.2 percent of his 3-pointers over the past eight seasons, whereas Davis has converted 29.9 percent of his. That’s a significant difference and could do plenty to enhance their offense.
Austin Reaves’s Potential
A trade for Lopez has its benefits, but it may all come down to how much the Lakers believe in Austin Reaves.
If they move Russell to acquire Lopez, Reaves stands to gain the most from it. Reaves has a relatively modest career-high of 15.9 points per game.
However, increased opportunities could lead to higher production. The 26-year-old has routinely flashed star potential, his pace and craftiness underscored by advanced ball-handling ability and shooting touch. As Reaves believes he’s more of a point guard, this also him to hone in on his playmaking. A shrewd facilitator, putting the ball in his hands more isn’t a bad idea.
