Brook Lopez believes his new team can win the Eastern Conference.
The 30-year-old center signed a one-year, $3.4 million contract with the Bucks in early July. He said Milwaukee has high expectations for 2018-19.
“I think we’re very confident that we can, no question, win the East,” Lopez said in an interview with USA Today’s HoopsHype.
“I’m definitely happy to be in Milwaukee because I think we have a great opportunity to do something special as a team.”
The Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, advanced to the last four NBA Finals. But, James left Cleveland and signed a four-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers last month.
Lopez said the Bucks think the East is now “wide open.”
“There are a lot of teams that can do (big) things,” Lopez said. “From Toronto to Boston to Philly — you just go down the list and it’s clear that the East is as exciting as it’s been in a long time.”
Lopez averaged 13 points and four rebounds for the Lakers in 2017-18. He also shot 34.5 percent from 3-point range.