The Los Angeles Clippers looked destined to finish at the bottom of the Western Conference standings this season after their terrible start. They entered December with a 5-15 record, and only managed to secure one more win halfway through the month. However, the Clippers somehow flipped a switch and find themselves winners of their last four contests.

With Kawhi Leonard elevated to that superstar level and James Harden continuing to be one of the best second options and playmakers in the league, the Clippers have managed to defeat playoff teams in the Lakers, Rockets, and Pistons amid this stretch. However, this has also come with the Clippers missing their third-best player in Ivica Zubac.

With Zubac sidelined, the Clippers have looked to Brook Lopez, one of their free agency signings this past offseason, to step in and fill the void with Zubac sidelined. After playing himself out of the rotation with the Clippers, he's now back in the mix, and providing the exact value the team and fans were hoping for when he joined in free agency.

Playing a part in the team's recent success, James Harden had some kind words for the veteran center.

“Honestly, credit to Brook. What he brings to the table defensively. His communication, him contesting shots at the rim, shot-making ability, spacing. A combination of those things has helped us overall as a team offensively… True professional. One of the ultimate professional guys we have in this league," Harden said.

Over the past four games, Lopez has averaged 13.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 50% from beyond the arc. The numbers might not jump off the table, but he's been effective while replacing the Clippers' anchor down low.

"To be able to be an NBA champ and a starter, to coming here and having the expectation to play big minutes — not play big minutes, not play, now you’re starting… He prepares himself. Comes in every day and works hard. He’s a starting big on this team. As a result of that, it’s showing.”

Lopez's start to his Clippers tenure surely was rough, but it's not a surprise to see him turn it around, given how he performed last season. In the 2024-25 campaign with the Bucks, Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game on 37.3% shooting, appearing in 80 games and starting in all of them well into his 30s.

He might not be the All-Star he was in Brooklyn or the two-way force he once was when he joined the Bucks, but he's giving much-needed help to a team looking to get back in a groove.