Los Angeles Lakers: Playing buy or sell with 2018 free agents

Brook Lopez

Another elder statesman of the Los Angeles Lakers, Brook Lopez had a less than stellar season in terms of both his and the team’s standards. He averaged career lows in points (13.0) and rebounds (4.0) on a per game basis, and was often left on the bench during the closing minutes of games with Luke Walton opting for quicker big men that can succeed in his switch-heavy defensive system.

Lopez was the focal point of the Brooklyn Nets for most of his career, but with the game downsizing, his role is probably best suited, like Isaiah Thomas, as instant offense off the bench where he can be force-fed and be asked to score aplenty. His 3-point shot improving in recent seasons has made him a solid floor-spacer, but his defense still leaves much to be desired.

He was a true professional this season despite the lack of minutes compared to his Brooklyn days, but with Moritz Wagner, Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant on the roster before the free agency period, I don’t see a place for Lopez on this Lakers team moving forward.

Verdict: Let walk