Cleveland Cavaliers: A master list of buyout targets for the Cavaliers

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DALLAS, TX – FEBRUARY 10: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes the ball inside against Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on February 10, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Option No. 5: Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez is one of the most underrated centers in the NBA. However, in Los Angeles, he has yet to get going. Lopez has averaged a career-low 12.0 points per game this season. This follows eight straight seasons of over 17.0 points per game.

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Another plus about Lopez is that he has developed a reliable outside game. Over the course of the last two seasons, Lopez has averaged 1.6 triples per game, making 199 more than his first eight seasons combined. While not a phenomenal outside shooter, he does drill about 33% of his threes, which is enough to keep the defense on their toes.

Even more so, Lopez has averaged 1.7 blocks per game over his career. That’d be a huge addition for Cleveland, who, as a team, averages 3.8 blocks per game. That said, Lopez’s offensive and defensive abilities should be coveted by Cleveland.

Lopez, who said he doesn’t want a buyout, might not have a choice.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the Lakers should pursue a buyout for Lopez. Their staff wrote: “The Lakers will need to clear him from their books this summer if they hope to pursue multiple high-profile free agents.”

As we’ve already seen this season, the Lakers are serious about targeting and attracting top-tier free agents both this season and next. It was obvious when they traded Clarkson and Nance Jr. to Cleveland. Both players were under contract through next season.