Lakers should pursue reunion with NBA champion, two-time All-Defensive star this summer

April 10, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez (11) moves the ball against Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have a clear need at center after sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. Their glaring hole down low has been exposed during their first-round matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Starting center Jaxson Hayes has averaged 1.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 0.3 blocks in just 7.6 minutes per game. Meanwhile, backup center Alex Len has only seen the floor during garbage time, leaving the Lakers playing without a center for most of the game.

Their lack of size has been taken advantage of by the Timberwolves, who have jumped out to a commanding 3-1 series lead. While Los Angeles had appeared to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets at the trade deadline to address the issue, the deal was rescinded just two days later.

After the trade fell through, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka noted that the franchise will look to find a center in the offseason. Los Angeles will have limited resources as they look to upgrade the position.

One option that should be available in free agency is former Lakers center Brook Lopez. He spent the 2017-18 season as a member of the Lakers before joining the Milwaukee Bucks the following season.

Lopez has spent the past seven seasons with Milwaukee. He has earned two NBA All-Defensive Team selections in that span, while helping them win the championship in 2021.

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While he turned 37 years old earlier this month, Lopez remains a productive player. He averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.9 blocks per game this season while shooting 50.9% from the field, 37.3% from three-point range and 82.6% from the free-throw line.

The one-time All-Star is set for free agency this summer as he is in the final year of a two-year, $48 million deal signed in 2023. His next deal is unlikely to approach that amount, which could lead to a reunion with his former franchise.

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