NBA free agent signing: Brooke Lopez talks about a sense of return Officially signing the Clippers

Las Vegas — Brooke Lopez never played for the Clippers.

However, his signing with the Clippers as a free agent this summer can also be seen as a return, as there are many connections between the Southern California native and the Clippers. This is first reflected in the team's president Lawrence Frank.

"He was my coach at the New Jersey Nets in 2008," Lopez said. "So it's definitely a perfect moment."

Lopez was a popular name in the early stages of the free agent market, rumored to have affair with the Lakers (who he used to play for in the past), the Rockets and other teams, but he signed a two-year, $17.9 million contract with the Clippers to serve as a substitute for Ivica Zubac.

"Everything happened very quickly, but when I was thinking about the options, I was glad that the Clippers contacted me and they were one of them," Lopez said. "You know, they're a team that's been doing well for a long time. They have a lot of good players, of course Hall of Fame, and all kinds of good young players. I got Zuby (Ivica Zubac). And there's a lot of chances to win the championship here."

One of Lopez's connections with the Clippers is Zubac - they were teammates of the Lakers ten years ago. Tyron Lu (who loves to use the big roster) is expected to try to get Lopez and Zubac to play at the same time.

"I think we are very good," Lopez said. "It's obvious that we'll be very good. I think we'll be great on defense, dominating the inside, blocking the inside. And then offense, we'll complement each other, open up space for him and give him enough room for the inside to play."

Lopez's main role in the Clippers will be as a backup big man for Zubac, but because of his shooting space-opening-up shots--4.7 3-pointers per game last season, shooting 37.3% from a field goal percentage--he'll be in a lot of different rosters and roles.

"We'll see. I have the ability to do a lot," Lopez said. "Obviously, I'm happy to work on the inside. I'm happy to be at the basket, too. I love to defend and be the backbone of the team on the defensive end. At the end of the day, I just want to help the team win. No matter what they need me to do, no matter what they think my role is, I'll do my best to do that role."

A teammate Lopez thinks he'll be chemistry quickly with James Harden - Lopez knows where his score will come from.

"I will do pick-and-roll cooperation with him as much as possible," Lopez said with a smile. "Just get into that rhythm. I know he'll create some good opportunities outside."

Lopez's other role in the Clippers is a mentor.

The Clippers have some young players, most notably their pick at the 30th pick, Janik Conan Needhauser, a Swiss center who once played for Penn State, 6-foot-10-inch (2.08-meter) tall, has excellent mobility and has shown potential in the summer league.

Lopez is excited to be an experience mentor.

In my career, I have been lucky enough to play with many great players: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Vince Carter. I can keep citing it, but in particular, Kevin Garnett, the player I was lucky enough to play together in the early days of the league and he helped shape what I am today.

"So I feel like he should pass on his teachings. Help young people like he helped me. I wouldn't be here without him."

Eventually, Lopez returned to his home in Southern California—near Disneyland than any of his career—and was about to play for a franchise team that didn't appear on his radar as he grew up.

"I was a California boy. I grew up in the valley of North Hollywood. Obviously, things were very different at that time," Lopez said. "It's amazing to see the Clippers' achievements now. It's so beautiful." The Clippers also think it's very nice to have him appear in their lineup. It's kind of like going home.