Lakers Rumors: Brook Lopez Would Prefer To Remain With Team Rather Than Being Bought Out Of Contract

Corey Hansford
2 Min Read
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the NBA trade deadline has officially passed, many teams will turn their focus towards the buyout market. Players such as Derrick Rose have already been bought out by after being traded, and the same is expected for Joe Johnson. The Los Angeles Lakers have a candidate of their own in Brook Lopez.

The veteran center has played well recently, but overall hasn’t been quite as expected on offense after the Lakers traded for him last summer. Nonetheless, as a center who can stretch the floor and provide rim protection, some top teams would be lining up should he become available.

That doesn’t look like it will happen, however, as ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports that Lopez would prefer to remain with the Lakers for the remainder of the season:

Lopez is a California native and is comfortable here, so that likely plays a role in this feeling. Additionally, many players simply prefer not to have to move twice in less than a year.

The Lakers have praised Lopez for his leadership in the locker room which will be even more relied on now that Larry Nance Jr. was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This could also come down to whether the Lakers want to get an even closer look at their pair of young centers, Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant.

If that were to be the case, the team may want to give Lopez the chance to join a championship contender. Even if his preference, for now at least, is to remain in Los Angeles.

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Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.