The struggles of Brook Lopez, a former key player for the Milwaukee Bucks, have become increasingly apparent in the early weeks of 2026. Now with the Los Angeles Clippers, Lopez’s performance has taken a disappointing turn, coinciding with a resurgence in the Clippers’ fortunes.
Since the beginning of the year, Lopez has averaged a mere 4.7 points and 2.5 rebounds over 17.1 minutes per game. His shooting splits are troubling, sitting at .250 from the field, .182 from three-point range, and a perfect 1.000 from the free-throw line. Over the first ten games of 2026, the Clippers have turned a corner, winning eight of them and re-entering the Play-In picture after a challenging start to the season.
In contrast, during the prior 25 games, Lopez held a more respectable average of 7.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and one block, showcasing shooting splits of .405/.406/.810. However, as he approaches his 38th birthday in April, signs of decline have become more prevalent. Known for his skillful play but lacking athleticism, Lopez’s past pairing with Giannis Antetokounmpo lifted his game, but now his diminished speed appears to hinder his current performance.
The Bucks made a bold offseason decision to waive Damian Lillard in favor of acquiring Myles Turner, seen as a younger alternative to Lopez who could complement the team’s evolving identity. While expectations for Turner have yet to be met, the Bucks might be faring worse had they retained Lopez, given his current form.
Lopez’s addition was intriguing for the Clippers, primarily due to his capacity to stretch the floor and serve as a backup to Ivica Zubac. However, his lack of shooting—especially being at an abysmal 18.2 percent from deep this season—could soon lead head coach Tyronn Lue to adjust his rotation. This is particularly concerning since Lopez struggled last postseason, falling out of the starting lineup and averaging just seven minutes of play in a pivotal series against the Indiana Pacers.
As the Clippers rise in the standings, Lopez’s recent output will inevitably raise questions about his future role on the team. Should his shooting fail to improve, he risks being sidelined in the rotation as the team approaches the playoffs. While the Clippers thrive, Lopez’s ongoing struggles may act as a bittersweet reminder of what was once a stellar career.