Bucks veteran linked to Lakers after latest rumors

Nate Duffett

Bucks veteran linked to Lakers after latest rumors image

The Milwaukee Bucks are actively seeking to overhaul their team following the 2024-25 season, which didn't go as planned. Giannis Antetokounmpo continued to thrive with his third consecutive season with over 30 points per game, but injuries to Damian Lillard proved costly. One player who improved from their 2023-24 output was Brook Lopez, and it looks like the veteran could attempt to cash in with a Lakers deal in free agency. 

The Los Angeles Lakers are on the hunt for a center after trading away Anthony Davis in the Luka Doncic deal. Acquiring Doncic was a no-brainer for Rob Pelinka and the front office, but the lack of size inside was a problem for them in the playoffs. The Lakers must find a center to fill that void if they want to give LeBron James and Doncic the best chance of succeeding next season. 

Brook Lopez and the Lakers could reunite this season if the organizations can work out a trade. It'd be a reunion for the two parties, as Lopez played 74 games for Los Angeles during the 2017-18 season. He played a depth role for the team, averaging just 23.4 minutes per game, the lowest of his career. 

It'd be a different situation for Lopez if he joined the Lakers for the 2025-26 season. He averaged 13 points per game and shot over 50% from the floor this past season, and he would likely find that kind of success again alongside LeBron and Doncic. 

Nate Duffett

Nate Duffett is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Nate previously covered the NHL for ClutchPoints and Minute Media, but got his start as a betting writer with RotoBaller. Nate grew up in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, with a preference for hockey, but has also covered baseball, basketball, and football. Name the sport, and Nate can chat about it for days.