The Milwaukee Bucks’ early playoff exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers (4-1) left fans stunned and analysts buzzing. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s strong postseason showing — averaging 33.0 points and 15.4 rebounds — the Bucks crumbled in the first round.
While much of the post-playoff chatter has centered on whether Antetokounmpo will stay loyal to Milwaukee, a new twist has emerged. According to NBA insider reports, the future of another franchise cornerstone is now in serious doubt.
Brook Lopez Might Leave the Milwaukee Bucks
Brook Lopez signed a two-year, $48 million deal with the Bucks in 2023, a fully guaranteed contract paying him $24 million annually. But recent reports suggest his time in Milwaukee could soon be over.
According to “Hardwood Paroxysm,” Lopez is not expected to be with the team next season.
“And most everyone I’ve spoken to assume Brook Lopez is gone. Lopez might be one of the bigger names on the market. He’s certainly at the end of his career, but like Al Horford, he’s a complete pro and a winner who’s easy to fit into a team culture and find a role for, and still makes a difference defensively night to night,” the report reads.
Lopez entered the NBA in 2008 as the 10th overall pick by the New Jersey Nets. Over the years, he established himself as a skilled seven-footer, and in 2018, he joined the Bucks — eventually playing a key role in their 2021 NBA championship run.
This past season, Lopez remained reliable in the paint, averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 37.3% from three.
While Lopez may be on the move, the Bucks are reportedly looking to retain guard Kevin Porter Jr.
“That said, I’m not expecting the roster to look the way it does now. The team is likely to retain Kevin Porter Jr.,” the insider added.
Although news of Lopez’s potential departure has only recently gained traction, teams around the league have apparently been preparing to pursue him.
One team already linked to Lopez? The Los Angeles Lakers, according to NBA reporter Gery Woelfel. After a disappointing playoff series against the Timberwolves that exposed their lack of depth at center, the Lakers reportedly see Lopez as a strong fit.
Adding him would immediately improve rim protection, floor spacing and veteran leadership — three areas of need in Los Angeles.
Brook Lopez will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
So, how much interest will there be for the 37-year-old center?
“There’ll be plenty of interest in him,” an NBA executive responded before cynically adding, “I’m sure the Lakers have already talked to him.”
— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) May 21, 2025
The Bucks now find themselves at a crossroads — with their franchise player’s future uncertain, a trusted veteran possibly leaving, and a reshuffled bench. While Antetokounmpo will continue to dominate the headlines, the departure of Lopez could quietly reshape the team’s identity on both ends of the floor.