Crafting a mock trade between Bucks, Lakers and Magic based on recent rumors

The Lakers' POV

The Lakers have been on the hunt for a center this off-season, and Brook Lopez is reportedly among the names they have an eye on, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer. The franchise is familiar with Lopez, as he played there for one season during the 2017-18 campaign just before he joined the Bucks. A reunion could be in play here.

Lopez would fit nicely with Los Angeles. After giving up 51.3 points in the paint per game last year, it's clear they need another defensive threat close to the hoop. Of course, Lopez is one of the best rim protectors in the business, meaning he could serve as an adequate shot-blocker down low to deter opponents away from the paint, as he's done in Milwaukee.

Anthony Davis, one of LA's top stars, has always let it be known that he prefers to play power forward over center; the team just hasn't had the personnel to do that consistently. Adding Lopez would be a dream for Davis, allowing him to slide to the four spot more often while also taking on less defensive responsibilities, freeing up his game elsewhere.

Just like next to Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, Lopez's perimeter shooting prowess for a player of his size would help make him a seamless fit next to LA's stars offensively. LeBron James and Davis would still have their driving lines, but when the defense collapses, they'd have a 7-foot big man waiting out on the perimeter for a good 3-point look.

Trying to maximize what time James has left in the NBA, swinging a trade for a battle-tested center who could surely help now makes sense.