After a difficult end to their last playoff run, the Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season with some exciting offseason moves. One of the most notable changes was signing veteran center Brook Lopez, a move designed to add significant depth.
Now entering his 18th season in the NBA, the 37-year-old expressed his happiness about joining the Clippers, a team looking to turn its fortunes around after a challenging first-round Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Why Does Brook Lopez Believe Ivica Zubac Is a DPOY Candidate?
While Lopez brings a wealth of experience, he will likely play as the primary backup to the Clippers’ seasoned starter, Ivica Zubac. The 28-year-old has been a consistent force for the franchise since 2019 and is entering his seventh full season in Los Angeles. His talent was recognized in August 2024, when the Clippers rewarded him with a lucrative three-year, $58.6 million contract extension. This creates a powerful one-two punch at the center position, giving the team flexibility on any night.
Basketball journalist Law Murray recently highlighted Lopez’s favorable opinion of his new teammate in a post on X. The post read, “Brook Lopez on Ivica Zubac: ‘I think that we complement each other very well… he’s become such a great player. Absolutely a candidate for DPOY this year. And he still has even more room to grow, which is scary to think.’ LAC has played with both, none, and one of him and Zu.”
Lopez holds Zubac in high regard and is eager to start playing alongside the Bosnian center. The Clippers will begin their preseason schedule on Sunday night when they host the Denver Nuggets at Intuit Dome, offering the first glimpse of how the team will accommodate two talented centers.
How Will the Clippers Blend Youth and Experience This Season?
During a media day interview, Lopez also shared his thoughts on the current roster, noting how the combination of young players and veterans could lead the Clippers toward that elusive championship in the upcoming season.
He said, “We have a fantastic group. Obviously a vet group, but we’ve been lucky to have a lot of young guys here too. They’ve brought a ton of great energy, a lot of enthusiasm. They’ve been putting work in for a long time this offseason, and it definitely shows.”
This blend of energy and experience will be tested when the Clippers kick off the new season on Oct. 22 with a road game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center.
