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Brooklyn Nets: Brook Lopez burns former team in Los Angeles

By Ed Easton Jr.

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 3: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores a basket against his former team Brooklyn Nets during the second half of the basketball game at Staples Center November 3 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 3: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores a basket against his former team Brooklyn Nets during the second half of the basketball game at Staples Center November 3 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets started their West coast trip in Los Angeles against a former franchise favorite Brook Lopez, who reminded them of what they are missing.

The Brooklyn Nets decided to make drastic changes this past summer in hopes of reshaping the franchise’s image after finishing a league worst 20-62. A major move was saying goodbye to longtime fan favorite center Brook Lopez, exchanging him in a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov.

The two teams had the opportunity to meet early in the 2017-18 season in Los Angeles with all the immediate focus on Russell returning as a visitor for the first time and matching up with his replacement, Lonzo Ball.

Russell did not perform exceptionally well as it seemed like he wanted to desperately prove his former team wrong for dealing him away. His 17 points on 8-of-24 shooting put a sour taste in his hopeful revenge game as the Lakers would go on to win 124-112.

The other big piece in the trade, Lopez, was very effective notching his best performance in a Lakers uniform, terrorizing opposing Nets centers. His 34 points were a game-high as he also grabbed 10 rebounds, dominating his position in 30 minutes of action Friday night. The big surprise was the six 3-pointers from the California native, giving his former team a little bit of everything.

After the game Lopez spoke with reporters and seemed to downplay his big game against the team that drafted him nine seasons ago.

"“Typical. I felt comfortable out there. It was another game to me. Honestly it wasn’t [extra special] at all.”"

Lopez holds the prestigious title as the Nets’ all-time leading scorer (10,444 points) as he was part of the original team that made the transition from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2012. His franchise marks are impressive, but he is often remembered for constantly giving fans a great effort regardless of the team’s record. His best individual season was his only All-Star campaign in 2012-13, leading the new Brooklyn team into playoff contention.

Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson praised Lopez publicly in the media after only coaching him for one season, crediting his professionalism and work ethic.

"“I’m a huge Brook Lopez fan, I just think he’s one of the most professional people I’ve ever been around, one of the nicest people. He means a lot to this franchise. He did a lot of great things for the Nets. I think we all need to, I know I do personally, need to show him a lot of respect and appreciate all that he did for us last year helping keep it together through a tough season.”"

Lopez’s domination in the post and from the outside further displayed his continued unique value in the league at the center position.

Next: 2017-18 Week 3 NBA Power Rankings

The Nets may have gained a younger and offensively dynamic guard in Russell, but had to part ways with a big part of their history and identity in Lopez. His presence is missing from the Nets in the middle, and is still an adjustment and wake up call for management to seek possible alternatives in the near future.

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