The Los Angeles Lakers made what looks to be a major upgrade at the center position when they signed center Deandre Ayton on July 6. Ayton became available a few days prior when he agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Lakers were able to pounce and sign him for the bargain price of $16.2 million over two years, compared to the $35.55 million his previous contract was going to pay him this coming season.

Until Ayton became available, it was thought the Lakers would have to sign two centers and go with a tag-team duo at that position. One of the centers linked to them was Brook Lopez, a 37-year-old veteran who was with the Milwaukee Bucks this past season.

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Lopez, who is originally from the San Fernando Valley, ended up signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. According to Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst of ESPN, Lopez said no to the Lakers, a team he played for during the 2017-18 season, because of the uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ status with the team.

Via ESPN:

“Free agent center Brook Lopez, who league sources said had strongly considered the Lakers and the potential starting role, grew wary of the uncertainty around James’ future with the team and opted to sign with the rival LA Clippers, where he will be a backup,” Shelburne and Windhorst wrote.

James decided to exercise the player option on his contract for the 2025-26 season on June 29, and on that same day, his agent, Rich Paul, issued a statement that many interpreted as opening the door for a possible trade request.

Plenty feel that James and his camp aren’t on good terms with the Lakers organization. In fact, more than one reporter has claimed that the two sides aren’t getting along, and one even claimed the organization “would like to move on” from the future Hall of Famer as soon as possible.

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In all likelihood, James will likely start the new season as a member of the Purple and Gold. But right now, it is natural and understandable to feel some skepticism that he will remain with the Lakers in the coming months.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Veteran center said no to Lakers because of LeBron James situation