Insider: Lakers have 'long been fans' of upcoming free agent center
It is just about a certainty that the Los Angeles Lakers will be very aggressive in terms of upgrading at the center position this summer. They're expected to explore trade options, but they may also receive some help in the department from the free agent market.
One soon-to-be free agent center who has been linked to them is Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks. Although he is 37 years of age, he has continued to be productive, especially in terms of his 3-point shooting, rim protection and shot-blocking.
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According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers have had a soft spot for Lopez for some time now (h/t Lakers Daily).
'The Lakers have long been fans of Lopez, sources say,' Fischer wrote. 'That doesn't guarantee they will pursue him again, but the Lakers are indeed expected to be a player in the center market this summer.'
Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 37.3% from 3-point range this season. While he's likely a risk due to his 17 seasons of NBA wear and tear, he could be able to provide one serviceable season as a stopgap solution for the Lakers.
He played for them during the 2017-18 season, one year before LeBron James came to town. Recently, a reporter quoted an NBA executive as saying he was "sure the Lakers have already talked to" Lopez, who spent his early childhood in the San Fernando Valley.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Insider: Lakers have 'long been fans' of upcoming free agent center
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