Los Angeles Lakers: Each starters’ Mamba Mentality challenge
By Jason Reed
Brook Lopez: Make an All-NBA team
Brook Lopez, like Lonzo Ball and Julius Randle, should have a fairly difficult Mamba Mentality challenge to accomplish. However, there is no reason that the nine-year veteran center cannot make at least an All-NBA team. Lopez is one of the most talented centers in the league, if he can just rebound better, he seems to be a shoo-in for the award.
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It is in fact rebounds that seem to be holding Lopez back from bringing home any accolades. Lopez averaged just 5.4 rebounds per game last season, 31 qualified centers ranked above him. However, Lopez did average 20.5 points per game, good enough for the third best amongst his peers.
While an All-NBA First or Second Team may be out of the picture, Lopez can sneak his way into the All-NBA Third Team with a solid performance. The talent pool at center is immensely deep, so Lopez will need to put together a banner year to stand out amongst guys like Karl-Anthony Towns, DeMarcus Cousins, Marc Gasol and DeAndre Jordan.
Perhaps playing in the massive market of Los Angeles will directly help Lopez. Lopez has spent his entire career playing on the mediocre Brooklyn Nets. Although the Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a dry spell in their franchise, they are still one of the biggest teams in the NBA. If Lopez plays up to his potential the bright lights in Los Angeles will only shine brighter.
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Overall, Lopez acts as a veteran presence on an otherwise young team. With the youth and ability of his teammates, Lopez may be able to ride the Los Angeles Lakers hot streak and take home All-NBA honors.