Brook Lopez chooses Clippers over Lakers in a move that underscores shifting NBA free agency trends, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers struggling to secure key talent as the 2025 offseason heats up. This decision, highlighted by Paul Pierce, signals a growing perception that the Lakers are no longer the top landing spot, contrary to their storied past.
Reshaping Free Agency Priorities in Los Angeles
With the 2025 NBA free agency in full swing, several high-profile franchises have made bold moves to bolster their rosters. The Los Angeles Lakers, despite being in one of the league’s premier markets, have fallen behind as other teams aggressively targeted game-changing talent. The Houston Rockets landed Kevin Durant, along with Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, while the Denver Nuggets acquired Cam Johnson and added Bruce Brown, Jonas Valanciunas, and Tim Hardaway Jr. to their roster.
In contrast, the Lakers managed to bring in Jake LaRavia, a move that left many fans and analysts underwhelmed, especially with the team‘s ongoing issues filling the center position. Rob Pelinka’s front office has faced criticism for failing to snag any marquee big men, which heightened scrutiny when Lopez opted for the Clippers instead of the Lakers.
Boston Celtics icon Paul Pierce, who maintains a noted rivalry with the Lakers, commented on Lopez’s decision to sign with the Clippers, their cross-town adversaries. He noted the surprising nature of the move, as Lopez might have started for the Lakers but instead chose a backup role with the Clippers, a team already with Ivica Zubac at center.
“It’s crazy that I see Brook Lopez go to the Clippers and not the Lakers,”
—Paul Pierce, Hall of Fame Forward, said on Fox Sports’ Speak.
“This is a position of need for the Lakers. He knows the Clippers don’t need a center; they got [Ivica Zubac]. He can go [to the Lakers] and start and he didn’t want to go there.”
—Paul Pierce, Hall of Fame Forward
Historically viewed as secondary in Los Angeles, the Clippers have gradually redefined their image, starting with the ‘Lob City’ era and further boosted by the signing of Kawhi Leonard. Lopez’s decision, while not involving a superstar, reflects a changing perception among NBA players regarding the two franchises.
Front Office Shakeups Influence Player Choices
Recent changes at the management level for the Lakers may be influencing free agents’ decisions, with Paul Pierce asserting that leadership shifts are a significant factor. The Buss family’s sale of their majority stake in the Lakers to Mark Walter marks a new era, as Walter is still establishing credibility within NBA circles compared to former owner Jeanie Buss.
“Guys really don’t care to play for the Lakers organization anymore. It’s all about your owner. It’s a new owner. Maybe they’re not offering the deals like they did,”
—Paul Pierce, Hall of Fame Forward
The organization’s current struggles to sign prominent players such as Brook Lopez have raised questions about whether the Lakers still present the allure they once had for NBA talent. The lack of established relationships and potentially different approaches in handling contracts could be playing a role in these evolving dynamics.
Implications for the Lakers and the NBA Landscape
The Lakers still have some hope of addressing their center void by possibly acquiring DeAndre Ayton, provided he clears waivers, but time is running short. Should they miss out on Ayton as well, speculation will intensify regarding the franchise’s direction and credibility in the eyes of current and prospective players as the 2025-26 NBA season nears.
As Brook Lopez chooses Clippers over Lakers, this shift echoes a broader change in Los Angeles basketball, challenging assumptions about free agency and signaling to other teams that the balance of power and reputation can move swiftly in today’s NBA.