The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason with a clear need for a center, however, they have yet to address their biggest need. While they have been unable to land a big man, it has not been for a lack of effort.
Los Angeles was reportedly one of the finalists to reunite with an NBA champion who previously played for the organization. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN appeared on "NBA Today" on Tuesday, where she revealed that recent comments from Rich Paul, the agent of LeBron James, pushed the free agent elsewhere.
"They were one of the finalists for Brook Lopez," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne stated Tuesday. "We were all surprised that they didn't get Brook Lopez, but from what I understand, the uncertainty around LeBron James' situation -- that that quote caused, that everything that we've all been talking about for three days since the quote was issued -- has factored into Brook Lopez's decision."
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Shelburne noted that Lopez chose a backup role with the Los Angeles Clippers, albeit for more money than the Lakers offered.
"Brook Lopez is a starting center in the NBA," Shelburne added. "He chose a backup role with the Los Angeles Clippers. Yeah, I think it was a little more money. They did Jake LaRavia first. They could've gotten Brook if they would've prioritized Brook. The uncertainty in Milwaukee factored into his decision, as well, but the Lakers were thought of as the front-runner for Brook Lopez and didn't get him and the Los Angeles Clippers did because there's been a lot of uncertainty around them after that statement was issued."
Paul made headlines with his comments to ESPN's Shams Charania after James picked up his $52.6 million player option on Sunday. The Klutch Sports CEO suggested that the team may be more focused on the future than the present -- hinting that the four-time MVP could find a new home this summer.
It remains unlikely that James will move on from the Lakers after seven years with the franchise. The uncertainty, however, may have cost the organization one of their top free agent targets.
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