Not even playing a single game yet for his new team, newly-acquired Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez is reportedly in danger of missing a part of their series of preseason games. The development stems from back issues he has been dealing with this summer, according to Bill Oram of the OC Register, and the team is understandably taking a cautious approach on their starting center.
Back injuries are always tricky to deal with, especially for big men, and with preseason matches essentially exhibition games, the Lakers are not going to risk him get hurt even more. The good news for them is they have recently signed Andrew Bogut, who can serve as insurance for them, if in any case, Lopez will be forced to sit out more games.
“Bogut also gives the Lakers insurance against the health of Lopez. Lopez, 29, has been remarkably durable in recent years, appearing in at least 72 games four out of the past five seasons. However, he has dealt with back issues this summer that could cause him to miss part of the preseason.”
Another advantage the Lakers have is depth in their big man rotation, as they also have Ivica Zubac, and even Larry Nance, Jr., who can both play the five spot. However, with the news only placing Lopez in question for the preseason, it doesn't sound like a serious injury, and he could still make his debut during the Lakers' regular season opener against their cross-town rivals, the L.A. Clippers.
Brook Lopez was acquired early in the summer, in exchange for D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov. He has spent his entire NBA career with the Nets, and was also named an All-Star back in 2013. His addition to the Lakers will give them a solid inside presence, and a veteran who can mentor their young players. They clearly think of him highly, and will make sure he gets back to 100 percent first before fielding him inside the court.
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