After being traded to the Lakers last summer, California-native Brook Lopez had a successful 2018 campaign with the franchise and seems interested in returning. The 30-year old is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer and has had multiple big contract years throughout his career. However, Lopez hinted that he might not be looking for another one if the right situation is available in Los Angeles.
Lopez said he could see himself taking less money to stay with a team that was an “absolute contender,” that it would be hard to pass up.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 12, 2018
Lopez served as one of the few veteran contributors on the roster and if the Lakers were to have their plan of adding one or two max free agents pan out, they would need players like Lopez to fill out the roster. Being able to add a guy with Lopez’s traits and talent level at a discounted rate would be huge going forward as the team aims for contention.
He was also very complimentary of the Lakers young guys, who were able to lead the team most of the season.
Brook Lopez on the Lakers young care: “Look at what (three) rookies and a second-year guy did for this team was astonishing, really. When you have that kind of foundation playing with the right kind of mentality (where it’s) about the team, it’s special."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 12, 2018
In order to build a title contending roster, most teams have young guys on small contracts, a star player or two, and veterans that outperform their contracts. If the Lakers were able to retain Brook and add a star player to go along with the youth movement going on in LA, they could turn the team into a contender sooner rather than later.
Lopez appeared in 74 games, averaging 13 points, four rebounds while providing spacing as he shot 34.5% from three.
What nobody talks about (and they should) when it comes to contracts signed in California is our ridiculous state income taxes, at about 11% of income. That’s essentially saying that our offers have to be 11% higher than offers from teams in TX or FL, states that don’t have state income taxes.