In the preseason of the lockout-shortened 2011–2012 campaign, Lopez broke his right foot and missed the first 32 games of the regular season. In his season debut against the Milwaukee Bucks, Lopez finished with 9 points and 2 boards. In only his third game back, he scored a season high 38 points in a road win over the Dallas Mavericks. Five games after his season debut, he injured his right ankle in a win over the Charlotte Bobcats. Due to the Nets' poor record, they decided to shut down Lopez for the remainder of the 2011–2012 season. In the little time that Lopez played he averaged 19.2 points and a career low in rebounds with 3.6.