The Los Angeles Clippers made one of their most significant offseason moves by adding veteran center Brook Lopez, a decision aimed at easing the workload of Ivica Zubac, who emerged last season as one of the league’s more reliable defensive anchors.
As Janis Carr of the Orange County Register reports, the signing provides the Clippers with a proven big man to bolster their depth at a position that was stretched thin last year.
Head coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged that Zubac carried a heavy responsibility, often being forced back into games when things became difficult because the team lacked a true backup center.
“We didn’t really have a backup center (last season), so when things got tough, we always had to get Zu back in the game,” Lue explained. “I thought he played for too many minutes. If you asked him, he didn’t play enough, but for me it’s just too many minutes.”
While Zubac handled the challenge admirably – turning in the best season of his career – the Clippers now have the luxury of bringing in Lopez, a longtime starter and a former Defensive Player of the Year candidate, to share the load.
His presence not only provides defensive depth but also adds veteran experience and offensive versatility, giving Lue greater flexibility in managing lineups.
For Lopez, the move also comes with a sense of familiarity. He and Zubac share a bit of history from their time together with the Lakers nearly a decade ago.
“I played with Zu with the Lakers almost 10 years ago now. I think it was his second year in the league, and he was a very talented, raw young player then,” Lopez recalled. “But to see his growth, it’s astonishing.”
The Clippers are banking on that growth to continue, and with Lopez now in the fold, the team has one of the more formidable center rotations in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Notes: Doncic, Fifth Starter, Lopez, Clippers Rotation https://t.co/WyUZSejeAy pic.twitter.com/uz0IAbKrcq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 4, 2025
