Lakers Trade Rumors: Pursuit of Brook Lopez Smart Move for Rebuild

"The Brook Lopez era in Los Angeles."

That has a funny ring to it, no? Somebody needs to begin a new era for the Los Angeles Lakers, though, especially with Kobe Bryant set to undergo shoulder surgery, per The Associated Press (via ESPN.com).

To his credit—as everyone expects—Bryant will attempt a comeback next season, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:

Next season, after a free-agency splurge in the offseason, continues to be the focal point.

Why not jump-start the rebuild with a player such as Lopez right now, though?

After all, the Lakers are one of a few teams in on the former Stanford star as the Brooklyn Nets look to unload his max contract. Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski shared the details earlier this month:

Lakers' faithful may cringe. A max contract, for that guy?

"That guy" averages a 14.6/6.0/1.6 slash line and a 19.07 PER, according to ESPN.com, on an average of 26.4 minutes per night on an 18-win team currently pressing the button that triggers the warheads.

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Sure, it would be nice if a 7'0", 275-pound center averaged more than six boards per game. Just his presence beneath the rim in a long-term lens, though, would do wonders for younger players such as Julius Randle.

Speaking of the long-term outlook, let's not pretend Jordan Hill or Tarik Black is the future the Lakers want.

Hill is a journeyman going on 28 years old. Black is 23 and worth developing, but this is the Lakers, not exactly a franchise known for a traditional rebuild. Next year is the year, especially with it likely being Bryant's last hurrah, so the staff will not have the patience to wait on Black.

Besides, adding Lopez—who keep in mind, is only 26 years old—in no way prohibits the Lakers from developing Black.

For his part, Lopez made it clear recently that he would like to stay with the Nets. 

“I like it here,” Lopez said, per Michael Lee of The Washington Post. “I’ve been here my whole career. I’m kind of partial to it now.”

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There is always a counterpunch, though. Returning home to Los Angeles—he hails from North Hollywood, California—cannot be all that bad for the big man, and the Lakers are not exactly an organization that will stress over his $16.7 million cap hit in 2015, per Spotrac.

Should the Lakers land Lopez, it means both starting slots underneath the rim are secure. In other words, the front office can then go out and splurge on any number of big names in the backcourt to run with Bryant. 

Don't forget a high draft selection either, should they retain it.

Think about how Lopez's addition creates flexibility in 2016, too, as the Lakers can then add more big-name players. These names include, but are certainly not limited to, Kevin Durant, Mike Conley and others, as Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding suggests:

All of this, of course, hinges on Mitch Kupchak's ability to swing a deal that brings Lopez back West.

This is the major problem in any transaction at this point for the Lakers, but the saving grace may be a simple human emotion—desperation.

Should Brooklyn be that adamant on shedding Lopez's contract and not love any of the offers on the table as the deadline ticks down to a mere hours, Los Angeles may be able to swoop in with expiring contracts such as Hill and nail down the transaction.

At the very least, the idea is worth serious consideration. Lopez is not that flashy, huge name some may covet right now, but sometimes that is not the correct route. Remember Dwight Howard?

Lopez snugly fits into Los Angeles' long-term plan. Best of all, he is a high-upside asset the Lakers can actually afford right now.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.