Brook Lopez Chooses Clippers Over Lakers Amid LeBron Contract Uncertainty

by Cris Andal

Brook Lopez (left) guarding LeBron James. Photo: Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times.

The Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be on the verge of landing veteran big man Brook Lopez in free agency, but a cloud of uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ future may have cost them the deal. Instead, Lopez has opted to cross the hallway and sign a two-year, $18 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, bolstering their already veteran-heavy roster.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers were among the final contenders for the 7-foot-1 center, but the ongoing questions about LeBron James’ contract status gave Lopez second thoughts.

“From what I understand, the uncertainty around LeBron James’ situation… has factored into Brook Lopez’s decision,” Shelburne said on NBA Today.

James had been mulling over his $52.6 million player option, and until he made it official this past weekend, his potential departure cast a shadow over the Lakers’ offseason plans. While LeBron’s camp insists the four-time MVP remains committed to competing for a title, his long-term status in L.A. has become a sticking point in team-building talks.

“LeBron wants to win now,” said agent Rich Paul, “but he’s also aware of the Lakers’ focus on the future. We’re aligned with that vision, but we also have to weigh what’s best for LeBron at this point in his life and career.”

Meanwhile, Lopez, 36, is coming off a solid season with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in his seventh year with the team. Known for his rim protection and three-point shooting, Lopez would’ve filled a critical void in the Lakers’ frontcourt—providing size, veteran leadership, and playoff-tested experience.

The Clippers seized the opportunity instead, offering both slightly higher pay and what appears to be a more stable competitive picture—even if Lopez takes on a backup role. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George returning and a win-now culture firmly in place, the Clippers’ outlook seemed more appealing amid the Lakers’ shifting timeline.

The Lakers’ missed shot at Lopez also drew attention to their roster moves, including the earlier acquisition of Jake LaRavia, which may have pushed Lopez down the priority list.

“They could have had Brook if they had made him the first call,” Shelburne added. “The Lakers were seen as the frontrunners. But in the end, the Clippers walked away with him.”

With James officially opting in for next season, the Lakers are once again in all-in mode. But with another high-caliber role player choosing a different path, questions remain about how L.A. will fill out its roster—and whether the LeBron era has one more title run left.