The Los Angeles Lakers' need for a center has been well documented, dating back to last season. When the team traded Anthony Davis, a power forward who preferred not to be the team's de facto big, the situation became even more dire.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams are expecting to see the Lakers pursue Lopez when free agency opens. Even if Los Angeles does not sign him, there is a very good chance that he will sign somewhere other than with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he has played the last seven years.

Luka Doncic is reportedly still motivated after the Mavericks' shockingly traded him to the Lakers this past season.