X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Brook Lopez: Fantasy Basketball's Biggest Bust?

Hey guys, I'm new here at RotoBaller. Just a basketball numbers guy trying to make some moves out here. I appreciate any feedback so always hit me up on Twitter @undraliu (especially if you want to nerd out over the NBA or if you want to say nice things to me)

Among the crazy off season moves made this summer, the Brook Lopez trade was somewhat swept under the rug. But Timofey Mozgov's ugly contract and D'Angelo Russell for Brook Lopez and the pick that became MVP candidate Kyle Kuzma was looking pretty good for the Lakers. Brook Lopez was going to be the veteran glue guy, possibly the best actual player on the starting five that would get the young Lakers squad into win mode.

However, Lopez just hasn't put up the numbers that he was expected to, and there are some nights where he barely scrapes by with some points, disappointing fans mightily. Lopez was projected to be drafted between the 3rd and 4th round in fantasy drafts, and, while skimming through the emotional rants of Reddit, I've even seen people drop Lopez off their rosters straight up.  Is this "slump" something fans should be worried about? Let's break it down.

Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Jamie Calandro and Dan Palyo lead the RotoBaller team in 2024-25 with exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!

 

Brook "lyn misses you" Lopez - What's the Deal?

24 games into his 10th season in the NBA, Brook Lopez is currently averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists with shooting splits of 44.5%/29.5%/79.1%. For 9 category head to head fantasy league matchups, he's playing 23 minutes per game, averaging 11 shots per game with 4 three-point shots attempted per game. He's going to the line 2.8 times a game with average of 0.4 steals, 1.7 blocks (!!), and 1.7 turnovers. Not exactly impressive for a potential 3rd rounder... Lopez currently has a usage rate of 25.1% which is the lowest he's been used since his sophomore season. He's also playing the lowest number of minutes he's ever played in a season average. SOUND THE ALARMS. Well, not yet.

In his previous season with the Nets (the most accurate comparison stats-wise because he started shooting 3 pointers at a strong clip), he averaged 20.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists with shooting splits of 47.4%/34.6%/81%. He was playing 29.6 minutes per game, taking 15.6 shots per game with 5.2 threes attempted (!!). He shot 4.9 free throws per game with 0.5 steals, 1.7 blocks, 2.5 turnovers, and a usage rate of 29%. Granted, he was playing with a much worse team with no direction, so his numbers were a bit elevated. But it's very clear that Lopez has declined in terms of statistics.

Small sample size is key here, especially since we are only a quarter into the regular season. A big discernible difference is the dip in his 3-point shooting percentage. That should pick up, seeing as he's shooting a similar number of 3 pointers a game. Another thing holding Brook back is the jam log of a front court the Lakers currently wield. Kyle Kuzma, Larry Nance Jr., and Julius Randle all play the 4. Randle sometimes slides to center when the Lakers play small. At the center position, Brook Lopez starts and is backed up by Andrew Bogut, Ivica Zubac, and Thomas "Not Kobe" Bryant. Kuzma has been surprisingly good as a rookie, Randle has recently been playing better, and Nance Jr. missed 11 games with a fractured hand. Coach Luke Walton is still figuring out how he wants his crowded front court options to be played, and Lopez has suffered slightly during this period.

An interesting point is that Randle's name has been thrown around in trade theories, and it's very possible that any of the Lakers' centers could be before the trade deadline, freeing Lopez up for less shared minutes.

In Walton's scheme and young roster, Lopez seems to be used more for his defensive discipline and ability to spread the floor rather than his raw scoring ability. The roster is abundant with hot-handed scorers like starting rookies Kuzma and Lonzo Ball. But these freshmen also happen to be black holes on defense. Lopez acting a defensive anchor is much more valuable in real-life play rather than fantasy value.

Looking at two-man lineup data, players have the strongest defensive rating when paired with Lopez. Kuzma and Randle share a 106.7 DEFRating in 352 minutes played together, while Kuzma and Lopez share a 103.9 DEFRating in 282 minutes played together. Most interestingly, Nance Jr. and Lopez share a 100.0 DEFRating in 237 minutes played together. Brook Lopez: Defensive Anchor. Lopez finds himself in a new team scheme where winning actually matters (and is possible). His situation is not unlike Indiana's Myles Turner, who is losing a lot of fantasy value to Victor Oladipo. Turner is providing massive defensive value at the cost of his offensive stats. The same applies for Lopez.

 

Advice Going Forward

Don't be rash. Don't drop Brook Lopez!

It’s always hard to buy low on a more well-known player, but if you can flip Lopez for mid-round value big man like Enes Kanter or Pau Gasol, I would jump at it.

Brook Lopez’s rebounding was never that high and it's mostly his scoring that has fallen accompanied with poor shooting. Lopez could benefit from a trade later down the line. His upside still exists and he's arguably still the Lakers' best player. Be patient with Lopez and hold on in fantasy leagues for his 3 pointers and consistent blocks with the potential for low quality double doubles.

 

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis

 

NBA DFS Premium Subscription

Get a free trial of our powerful NBA Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Cheat Sheets, and NBA Lineup Optimizer & Generator with daily matchup projections.

Win more. Try the most advanced lineup optimizer in daily fantasy basketball.

Sign Up Now!Up Now!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Listening to Trade Offers for Trey Hendrickson
Marcelo Mayer

to Have Season-Ending Wrist Surgery
Samuel Basallo

Called Up From Triple-A Norfolk
J.K. Dobbins

Expected to Win Starting RB Job?
Quentin Johnston

Suffers Concussion in Preseason Loss
Jaxson Dart

Plays Well on Saturday Night
Marcus Semien

Avoids Serious Injury
Kyle Stowers

Heads to Injured List With Left-Side Strain
Zack Wheeler

Placed on Injured List With Blood Clot in Shoulder
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Optimistic Terry McLaurin Deal Can Get Done Soon
De'Von Achane

De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Josh Hader

Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Kyle Stowers

Out Saturday With Left-Side Tightness
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Ty Gibbs

is Mediocre at a Track Where his Grandfather's Team Won 19 Times
Ross Chastain

Despite Qualifying 33rd, Ross Chastain Not As Strong a DFS Option As Usual
Carson Hocevar

Will Carson Hocevar's Speed Overcome His Lack of Racecraft?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Not Enough Attrition at Richmond for Shane Van Gisbergen to Be Viable
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looking for Another Solid Richmond Race
Austin Cindric

After Strong Iowa Run, Austin Cindric Might Surprise
Corey Heim

Probably Too Inexperienced to Contend at Richmond
Daniel Suarez

Won't Benefit From the Same Strategy Play This Year
Erik Jones

Was Slow at Richmond Even When He Had Fast Cars
Zane Smith

Not a Great DFS Option on Paper, but Typically Outperforms His Expectations
Jhoan Duran

Feels "100%"
Marcus Semien

Out on Saturday, Going for X-Rays on his Wrist
George Springer

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Dylan Beavers

Called Up by Orioles
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin From PUP List
Jhoan Duran

Takes Comebacker Off Foot, X-Rays Negative
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Matt Chapman

Goes to Injured List
George Springer

Likely Returning on Saturday
Max Muncy

Lands on 10-Day Injured List
Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Rashee Rice

Receives Clearance to Travel to Brazil for Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Jacob Misiorowski

Activated and Starting on Friday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back From the Injured List
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Chase Burns

Hits 15-Day Injured List With Flexor Strain
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Travis Hunter

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury, Could be Held Out of Preseason Game
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected to Return Friday
Michael King

Heading to 15-Day Injured List
Aaron Nola

to Return on Sunday
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Sam LaPorta

To "Miss a Little Bit of Time"
Rashee Rice

Disciplinary Hearing Scheduled For Late September
Chris Godwin

Likely to Start the Season on PUP List?
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Stefon Diggs

Unsure About Availability for Week 1
Justin Jefferson

Won't Practice This Week, Will be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory
Neemias Queta

Wants to Raise His Free-Throw Attempts
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Stuggling to Trade Anfernee Simons
James Cook

Bills Agree on Four-Year Extension
Cole Anthony

Focuses on Winning with Bucks
NBA

Jesse Edwards Moves to Australia
Kessler Edwards

Joins Nuggets
Bradley Beal

Feeling Rejuvenated in Los Angeles
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Looking "Incredible"
PIT

Chad Ruhwedel Retires From NHL
MIN

Jack Johnson Signs Tryout Deal with Wild
Ryker Evans

Kraken Extend Ryker Evans with Two-Year Deal
Rondale Moore

Out for the Season With Knee Injury
Christian Watson

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List
Jordan Love

Undergoes Procedure on Left Thumb
Bud Cauley

Needs a Big Result in Maryland
Harris English

Confident for BMW Championship
Jason Day

Faces Uphill Battle at BMW Championship
Cameron Young

Hot at the Right Time
J.J. Spaun

Rolls in After Near Miss in Memphis
Brian Harman

is a Longer Shot Heading to Maryland
Corey Conners

Appears Safe This Week in Maryland
Daniel Berger

Must Play Better at BMW Championship
Miami Heat

Kai Jones Works Out for Heat
Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook Likely to Join Kings
Golden State Warriors

Al Horford Expected to Sign with Warriors if He Doesn't Retire
Jonathan Kuminga

Reportedly Leaning Toward Accepting Golden State's Qualifying Offer
Sepp Straka

Withdraws From BMW Championship
Maverick McNealy

Finishes Tied for 28th at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For 22nd at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Anthony Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak To Eight
Roman Dolidze

Submitted At UFC Vegas 109

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP