Brook Lopez‘s frustrations with the 2017/18 season, his first with the Lakers, seem to have reached a boiling point, writes Bill Oram of the Orange County Register. Lopez played just nine minutes in the Lakers’ loss to the Magic on Wednesday, his lowest single-game total in over three years.
Lopez, 29, is playing for a contract next offseason and thus far, he has posted career lows across every major statistical category — a far cry from the player who averaged 20.0 PPG last season while adding a three-point shot to his repertoire. The center will return to Brooklyn on Friday to face the Nets in his first game against his former team; in the meantime, it’s all about adjustment.
“On the court, I can be very visible, with my emotions [showing on my face],” Lopez said to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “So, yeah, just trying to control myself, breathe a little bit, and just keep cool because it was an unfortunate game for us. Just watching it, it was tough to be out there. Just trying to get settled a little bit.”
Lopez said that he has not had discussions with his agent about the possibility of pursuing a buyout if he decides he wants out of Los Angeles.
Check out other Pacific Division news below:
- Clippers guard Austin Rivers is on track to return from a right ankle injury on February 9, the day after the NBA trade deadline, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times tweets. Rivers, who is having his best season to date, has missed the Clippers’ last 16 games.
- Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated examines how the Clippers‘ use of two-way contracts this season has shaped their roster.
- Suns guard Brandon Knight tore his ACL in the offseason and is expected to miss the entire season. However, with a lot of money still owed to him, Knight tells Scott Bordow of Arizona Central Sports that he can still contribute to the team when healthy.
- Kings forward Skal Labissiere will miss 2-to-3 weeks with a rotator cuff muscle strain, the team announced. Labissiere has been hampered by the shoulder ailment since mid-January.
Of course Austin Rivers would be available after the deadline…that way his dad can’t trade his ass away lol
His dad don’t call the shots anymore.
Lmao that boy is straight trash his daddy gotta make sure he gets his finances straight cuz once he gets fired Austin is straight outta luck
Brook should push for a buyout, he could probably get it. I’d like to see boston nab him over Monroe and still have the pelicans grab Greg and stay competitive. Celtics fan but respect NO and want them to catch a bit of a break.
Eff Austin rivers would love to see him show value without his dad coaching him
Didn’t realize knight was injured thought he was just not being played cuz he’s really only riding off that one time he had potential 3 years ago.
Sucks skal is hurt, he prob won’t get traded now and he could use a change of scenery, like most of the kings players. Willie, pap, hill and Carter would be better off somewhere else to. Then again Ray and Ben Mac were in the same boat
I think they need his cap hold, BO would reduce that?
Lopez can complain about his minutes all he wants, generally Centers who average 6 boards per 36 minutes aren’t going to play a lot.
As for Rivers, yes, his dad has protected him some, but you make it sound as though he’s the worst player in the L on a large contract. He’s putting up 16 a night, shooting 40 percent from 3 and is averaging career highs in assists and steals per 36. I can name 50 players on contracts who’s value is worse. Noah, Asik, Gallo, etc.
Please trade Lopez. He’s a shadow of his previous season. If on the table, Lakers could score some good draft picks. Tipping Cavs would be interested. Or even Milwaukee/OKC
I think the Suns should give Brandon a second chance. Him and Booker could make a good back court. Offensively they are similar in that both can handle the point, shoot well and are athletic enough to create their own shot or facilitate for others. They’re already paying him and he has absolutely no trade value.