Los Angeles Lakers: Imagining the rumored dream lineup with Kawhi Leonard

Center: Brook Lopez

Now here’s the “twist,” if that’s what you want to call it.

Instead of settling for some average veteran fill-in or hoping someone like Ivica Zubac or Thomas Bryant can be re-signed to assume the starting role, the Lakers convince Brook Lopez to stick around. It’ll involve the Stanford alum taking a huge pay cut, but it is possible.

Here’s what Lopez had to say during his exit interview (starts at the 2:50 mark):

Why would he do it? Well, playing alongside Leonard, George and James would certainly be appealing. It would provide Lopez with plenty of open looks and the ability to legitimately play for a ring. Plus, he could stay in Los Angeles, the place where he grew up and where Disneyland is (he’s “obsessed with Disney,” according to NBA.com)

Above all, though, it’s that “contender” aspect of the equation that’ll sell Lopez on re-signing.

The Lakers use their room exception (about $4.5 million, via HoopsRumors.com), inking him to a one-year deal and bringing him back as the starting center. The move gives Los Angeles even more offensive flexibility. It’s not ideal for a team that needs a true rim protector, but the rest of the lineup more than makes up for his defensive deficiencies.

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And that about rounds out the starting five. The bench will have to be made up of rookies and veterans playing on minimum deals. However, with this lineup, I don’t think they’ll have too much trouble convincing capable contributors to sign discount deals.