Brook Lopez Signs with Clippers: LA’s Championship Window Reopens?

By Edcel Panganiban July 02, 2025 05:43

The Los Angeles Clippers have reignited their championship aspirations by signing veteran center Brook Lopez to a two-year, $18 million deal, a move that adds both experience and defensive prowess to their frontcourt rotation. At 37 years old, Lopez brings a unique blend of rim protection and floor spacing that could prove pivotal as the Clippers aim to contend in the loaded Western Conference.

Lopez, who spent the last seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, was a key component of their 2021 NBA championship team. Over his career, he has evolved from a traditional post scorer into one of the league’s premier shooting big men and rim protectors. Last season, Lopez averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 37.3% from three-point range on nearly five attempts per game, showcasing his ability to stretch defenses and protect the paint simultaneously.

The Clippers already boast a strong starting center in Ivica Zubac, an All-NBA defender known for his post-up game and rebounding. Lopez’s arrival provides a complementary skill set off the bench, offering a different look with his outside shooting and veteran savvy. Head coach Quin Snyder praised the signing, saying,

“Brook brings championship experience and a defensive mindset that fits perfectly with our team’s identity. His ability to space the floor and protect the rim will be invaluable as we push deeper into the playoffs.”

Lopez’s familiarity with the organization also played a role in the signing. He shares a history with Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, who was his first NBA head coach in New Jersey, and with Zubac, his former teammate during the 2017-18 season with the Lakers. This existing chemistry should ease his integration into the Clippers’ system.

From a strategic perspective, Lopez’s signing addresses a glaring weakness for the Clippers: reliable backup center minutes. In recent years, the team has struggled to find consistent production behind Zubac, cycling through players like Moses Brown, Kai Jones, and Mason Plumlee with limited success. Lopez’s proven ability to defend the rim and hit timely three-pointers fills that void, elevating the team’s depth and defensive versatility.

Financially, the $18 million contract utilizes the Clippers’ non-taxpayer mid-level exception, putting them just $4.5 million shy of the luxury tax threshold but leaving room to maneuver for further roster moves. This prudent use of cap space reflects a front office focused on maximizing both talent and financial flexibility.

The Clippers finished the 2024-25 season with a solid 50-32 record but were ousted in the first round by the Denver Nuggets. With the addition of Lopez, alongside other offseason moves such as re-signing Nicolas Batum, the team is clearly signaling its intent to compete at the highest level. Lopez’s veteran presence and championship pedigree could be the missing piece in a rotation hungry for playoff success.

Brook Lopez’s signing with the Clippers is a savvy acquisition that strengthens their frontcourt depth and defensive identity. His unique skill set as a floor-spacing rim protector complements Ivica Zubac and adds a new dimension to the Clippers’ bench. As the team looks to reopen its championship window, Lopez’s experience and versatility could prove crucial in navigating the challenges of the Western Conference and making a deep playoff run.