The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly still interested in acquiring Bruce Brown from the Toronto Raptors, following their near signing of him during the 2023 offseason. According to Jovan Buha from The Athletic, the Lakers had hoped to bring Brown onto their roster before he ultimately signed a two-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers in June 2023. Brown was later traded to the Raptors as part of a major deal involving Pascal Siakam in January 2024.
Currently, Brown is on the same contract, meaning he will become a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. With the Raptors focusing on developing younger talent around All-Star Scottie Barnes, there are indications they may be inclined to trade the veteran guard rather than risk losing him next summer.
For the Lakers, who are striving to enhance their supporting cast behind superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Brown presents an appealing option. His ability to contribute without dominating the ball, coupled with his skills in defense and rebounding, makes him a valuable asset. Throughout his career, he has averaged 6.1 rebounds per 36 minutes, showcasing his capability to thrive in a competitive environment. Brown’s noteworthy performance during the Denver Nuggets’ championship playoff run in 2023, where he averaged 26.5 minutes per game, further demonstrates his potential impact on a contending team.
Although he has not yet played this season due to knee surgery, reports of his participation in practice suggest that he is on the path to recovery and could be back on the court once his fitness improves.
In summary, the Lakers are keenly monitoring Bruce Brown’s situation, as he represents a strategic fit for their roster needs. With a focus on bolstering their team around their star players, Brown’s future could hold exciting possibilities, not only for him but also for the Lakers as they aim for success in the upcoming seasons.