Lakers News: Having Brook Lopez at center changes everything

The latest Lakers news looks at how Brook Lopez can make a serious impact.

While not having D’Angelo Russell sucks, not having Timofey Mozgov is an incredible blessing. It’s still unclear what other reasons the Los Angeles front office at the time had for signing the not-so-wonderful center in the first place outside of desperation.

Now the Lakers have acquired a new big man in Brook Lopez. He comes to Los Angeles as part of the trade that sent Russell and Mozgov away and brought in what turned out to be Kyle Kuzma and Thomas Bryant.

While Lopez may not be with the Lakers in the long term, even just one season on board helps. With Mozgov, the Lakers failed to find a veteran leader that could develop their big men. Instead, he proved to be the type of guy that was jealous when Ivica Zubac began to improve.

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As time goes on, Zubac will be the big man of the future, but for right now the Lakers know that at center is where they need the most growth. Their point guard in Lonzo Ball is ready to run the show, and the rest of the crew is ready for war.

Brandon Ingram can have a breakout season, so long as the big men step up. Lopez is a great grab at his position, and will definitely fill the holes left by Mozgov. He gives the Lakers a much more mature approach to the position, and can mold Zubac into a star.

Defining moments are coming for each of the young players, but the Lakers still need consistency. Lopez will add that to the lineup as well, in addition to excellent shooting for a big.

Lastly, the Lakers will need more rebounds from their center than any other position. It’s how Brandon Ingram can focus on physical growth as well as scoring. Lonzo Ball is already proving to be a passing magician, and guys like KCP and Julius Randle can let it fly.

Originally, Lakers fans may have been bitter towards Lopez joining their team. A lot of fans didn’t approve of sending D’Angelo Russell away, while another large and loud chunk of the fan base wanting him gone.

Next: Are Clippers Dumb Not To Trade For Kyrie Irving?

Not to worry, though. The new Lakers front office seems to know what they want, what they’re doing, and how to move forward from where they currently are.