The Los Angeles Lakers have renewed their interest in guard Bruce Brown of the Toronto Raptors, following their previous attempt to sign him as a free agent during the 2023 offseason. According to Jovan Buha from The Athletic, the Lakers believed they were close to securing Brown before he signed with the Indiana Pacers.
Brown, who is 28 years old, inked a two-year deal worth $45 million with the Pacers in June 2023. He was later traded to the Raptors in January 2024 as part of a significant deal involving Pascal Siakam. Under the terms of his current contract, Brown is set to enter free agency after the 2024-25 season. The Raptors seem inclined to explore trading the veteran as they focus on building a young roster around All-Star Scottie Barnes.
For the Lakers, who are looking to enhance their support around star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Brown represents an enticing prospect. His ability to influence the game without dominating the ball is noteworthy; he brings solid defensive skills and rebounding, averaging 6.1 rebounds per 36 minutes over his career. His experience during the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 playoff run, where he played a pivotal role in their championship victory, adds to his appeal.
Currently, Brown has not played this season due to knee surgery, but he has been participating in practice, signaling a potential return as he continues to regain his conditioning.
This situation highlights the Lakers’ commitment to bolstering their roster with impactful players and the ongoing dynamics of player movement within the NBA. With Brown’s history of strong performance in critical moments, he could be an invaluable addition to the Lakers if a trade comes to fruition.
Overall, the Lakers’ pursuit of Brown reflects their strategic efforts to create a championship-caliber team, maintaining hope for fans eager for success in the current season.