The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly still interested in acquiring guard Bruce Brown from the Toronto Raptors, following an attempted signing during the 2023 offseason, as shared by Jovan Buha of The Athletic. The Lakers believed they were close to signing Brown before he committed to the Indiana Pacers.
Brown, 28, initially inked a two-year, $45 million deal with Indiana in June 2023 but was traded to the Raptors as part of a major transaction involving Pascal Siakam in January 2024. He remains under the same contract, which means he will be eligible for free agency at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. The Raptors seem to be focusing on developing young talent around All-Star Scottie Barnes, suggesting they might consider trading the veteran player instead of risking his departure during the summer.
For the Lakers, who are looking to enhance their supporting cast alongside superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Brown presents an intriguing option. His ability to contribute effectively without dominating the ball is a significant asset, highlighted by his defensive skills and solid rebounding presence. Brown has demonstrated his value by averaging 6.1 rebounds per 36 minutes over his career and proved his mettle during the Denver Nuggets’ championship run in the 2023 playoffs, where he played an average of 26.5 minutes per game.
Although Brown has yet to play this season due to knee surgery, his recent participation in practices indicates that he may return to the court once he regains his conditioning.
In summary, the Lakers may have found a potential trade target in Bruce Brown, as they look to fortify their roster for future success. With his track record and positive contributions on the court, Brown could be a beneficial addition for the team’s championship aspirations. The current situation with Toronto could lead to a win-win scenario, where Brown revitalizes his career alongside established stars in Los Angeles.