It is 2026, and the NBA landscape looks nothing like it did a decade ago. But somehow, some way, we are still talking about the Lopez twins. Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez have outlasted entire draft classes, reinvented themselves more times than a pop star, and managed to stay relevant in a league that usually chews up 7-footers before they hit 30. Honestly, if you told a scout back in 2008 that Brook would eventually become a high-volume three-point sniper and Robin would become the most feared mascot-hunter in North America, they would've called you crazy.
But that's the beauty of it.
Brook is currently plying his trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, having signed an $18 million, two-year deal back in the summer of 2025. It was a "full-circle" moment for him—returning to his California roots after a legendary seven-year stint in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Robin’s path has been... a bit more chaotic. After being traded from the Bucks to the Kings and promptly waived, he’s been weighing his options between the NBA and a potential swan song in Europe. The contrast is sharp, but the bond? Unbreakable.
What People Get Wrong About Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez
Most fans think Brook and Robin are basically the same player because, well, they’re twins. Same height, same Stanford education, same curly hair (mostly).
That’s totally wrong.
Brook Lopez has had a career arc that belongs in a textbook on professional adaptation. He started as a back-to-the-basket bruiser for the New Jersey Nets, scoring 20 points a night without ever looking at the three-point line. Then, around 2016, he basically decided he was a shooting guard in a 7-foot-1 body. He went from making three triples in his first eight seasons combined to hitting hundreds per year. It’s the most successful mid-career pivot in league history.
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Robin, on the other hand, chose the "dirty work" route. While Brook was making All-Star teams, Robin was setting the most bone-crushing screens in the league for the Blazers and the Knicks. He’s never been a primary scorer, but coaches love him because he does the stuff that doesn't show up in the box score. Box-outs. Contesting shots. Scaring the living daylights out of the Orlando Magic's mascot.
The Career Stats Gap
If you look at the raw numbers, the gap is pretty wide.
Brook is a 15-plus point-per-game scorer for his career. He’s won a championship with the Bucks (2021) and has been a Defensive Player of the Year finalist. As of early 2026 with the Clippers, he’s averaging about 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in a backup role behind Ivica Zubac. Even at 37, he recently torched the Portland Trail Blazers for 31 points and nine threes in a single game when Zubac was out with an ankle sprain.
Robin’s numbers are humbler: roughly 8.4 points and 4.7 rebounds at his peak. But you can't quantify the "Robin Lopez Effect." He makes his teammates better by taking up space and being a general nuisance.
The Milwaukee Era: When the Twins Reunited
The peak of Lopez twin-dom happened in Milwaukee. Seeing them on the same bench was just surreal. Brook was the "Splash Mountain" starter, a defensive anchor who protected the rim like a gargoyle. Robin was the energy big off the bench.
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They weren't just teammates; they were a traveling comedy act.
They lived in separate houses (allegedly to prevent them from killing each other over Disney trivia) but were inseparable. The dynamic in that locker room was legendary. They brought a level of levity that’s rare in a high-stakes championship environment. When the Bucks finally traded Robin to Sacramento in early 2024, it felt like the end of a sitcom.
Why They Still Matter in 2026
You might wonder why we still care about two centers who are pushing 40.
It's because they represent the "Old Guard" of the NBA that actually worked. Brook isn't just a veteran presence; he’s a tactical weapon. Even now, in 2026, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue uses him to pull opposing centers out of the paint. When Brook hits those "moonball" threes, it changes the entire geometry of the court.
Robin’s legacy is different. He’s the cult hero. He’s the guy who proved you can have a 15-year career by being an elite teammate and a specialized defender. He’s also the guy who keeps the mascot industry on its toes.
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What’s Next for the Lopez Brothers?
Brook has a team option for the 2026-27 season worth about $9.2 million. Given his durability—he played 80 games in the 2024-25 season—the Clippers will likely keep him around as a mentor and stretch-five insurance.
Robin is the wildcard. He’s mentioned interest in playing in Europe, citing the passion of the fans in places like Slovenia. Whether he catches on with one last NBA contender or heads overseas, his impact on the culture of the league is permanent.
Actionable Insights for Following the Lopez Twins in 2026:
- Watch the Clippers injury report: When Ivica Zubac sits, Brook Lopez still has 20-point potential. He’s a high-value "streamer" in fantasy leagues for blocks and threes.
- Keep an eye on EuroLeague news: If Robin signs with a European powerhouse, expect a massive uptick in mascot-related incidents in cities like Madrid or Athens.
- Appreciate the longevity: We are witnessing the final chapters of two of the most unique careers in sports history. Don't take the 7-footers who love Disney for granted.
Check the Clippers' upcoming schedule against teams with traditional big men; those are the nights Brook Lopez usually sees his minutes spike as a floor-spacer.