The Los Angeles Lakers were a finalist for free agent center Brook Lopez, but uncertainty about LeBron James' future with the franchise reportedly factored into his decision for signing with the Clippers.

Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce breaks down the unfortunate reality for the Lakers following slow start to the NBA offseason.

I identified two needs for the Clippers, ones that mirrored their needs for the draft but were more acute because the Clippers needed short-term playable options: ball handling and frontcourt help. One of my named targets was Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez.