LA Clippers coach Ty Lue is seven years removed from his Cleveland Cavaliers days but according to him, it feels like he is thrown back to those days, thanks to a summer acquisition.
Lue coached the Cavs from 2016 to 2018 and sent them to three straight NBA Finals and helped them win one title. The main man there is of course Lebron James but he was surrounded by players that complemented his skills well. Among them were Kevin Love and Channing Frye who were the team’s stretch 5s.
Fast forward to 2025 with Los Angeles Clippers, Lue is receiving flashes of his Cavaliers days in just four games of pre season because of big man Brook Lopez who they signed as a free agent from the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I’m back to my Channing Frye days [and] Kevin Love days back in Cleveland. Just a lot of stuff we can run, that I’m comfortable with, and he’s getting comfortable with now,” Lue said an X post made by reporter Tomer Azarly.
Lopez’s 3 point shooting came out with the Bucks where he is called the Splash Mountain, a reference to the Splash Brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson when they were still together in the Golden State Warriors. Lopez is entering his 17th season but only became a stretch five, and a great one at that, when signed with the Bucks in 2019.
This play with Chris Paul is an example of Lopez’s ability.
Clippers second unit can just hit some notes. John Collins screening for Chris Paul but notice Brook Lopez on the right side by himself. Sabonis looks to tag the roll, Lopez rises, Paul gets it to him for 3. pic.twitter.com/Mw5WLvJVmO
— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) October 16, 2025
The Clippers are ready and Lue even thinks that they now have good chemistry, with Lopez as the game changer.
Asked Tyronn Lue about the first and second units.
Said starters need to clean up spacing offensively that led to bad turnovers.
And marveled at how much of a game changer Brook Lopez is and how Collins beats defenses in post/PnR
“They got a really good chemistry right now.” pic.twitter.com/f6SGDPQN0S
— Law Murray 🎃 (@LawMurrayTheNU) October 16, 2025
Ty Lue, LA Clippers has league on notice because of Brook Lopez
Lopez is expected to be a back up for Ivica Zubac who carried much of the load in the frontcourt last season.
Some Clippers fans, as well as other observes, rave about the upgrade the team made. From having Kai Jones (now out of the NBA), they now have someone who is a threat both on offense and defense.
Brook lopez is replacing the likes of mo bamba Kai jones and drew eubanks and dudes was like so lol https://t.co/uUmhbqMoXZ
— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) October 16, 2025
One of the most underrated signing of the off-season was the Clippers’ acquisition of Brook Lopez.
The Clippers were killed last year when Ivica Zubac didn’t play (+12.8/100 net swing). Lopez is a huge upgrade. And a limited bench role should benefit him.pic.twitter.com/crMAp9OzXW
— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) October 16, 2025
Some think the Clippers are stacked down to the second unit.
Chris Paul getting a chance to do his thing with Brook Lopez and John Collins in the SECOND unit is pretty unfair. Clippers’ depth is going to be imposing this season
— Jim Park🏀🌌 (@Sheridanblog) October 16, 2025
There might be something here with this Chris Paul, Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum, John Collins, and Brook Lopez bench unit.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) October 16, 2025
So Brook Lopez could be one of the most slept on moves of the offseason.
Completely different dynamic for the Clippers.
— Grant “Money” Mona (@Gmona48) October 16, 2025
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
