37-year-old champion center Brooke Lopez (hereinafter referred to as Daluo) left the Bucks this offseason and signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Clippers, and the second year is the team option.

According to ESPN famous reporter Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, several league sources revealed that Daluo had strongly considered returning to the Lakers and potential starting center position there, but he was worried about James' uncertainty in the team's future and finally chose to sign with Lakers' rival Clippers to serve as a substitute center.

After Ayton and the Trail Blazers completed a contract buyout and went through the clarification period, the Lakers signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract with him.

James executed the 2025-26 season worth $52.63 million player option at the end of June. Agent Ritchie Paul said James was eager to compete for the championship and hoped that every remaining season would be meaningful.