The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly still keen on acquiring Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown, a player they nearly signed as a free agent during the 2023 offseason. According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha from The Athletic, the Lakers believed they were close to securing Brown before he ultimately signed with the Indiana Pacers instead.
Brown, now 28, signed a two-year contract worth $45 million with the Pacers in June 2023. In January 2024, he was traded to the Raptors as part of a significant deal involving All-Star Pascal Siakam. Currently, he remains under the same contract and is expected to enter free agency after the 2024-25 season. Given that the Raptors seem to be focusing on developing younger talent around emerging star Scottie Barnes, there are indications that they may consider letting go of Brown rather than risk losing him for nothing when he hits free agency.
For the Lakers, who are searching for additional support to complement their superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Brown represents an attractive option. His ability to contribute without dominating the ball is particularly valuable; he is known for his strong defensive skills and effectively crashing the boards. Historically, he has averaged 6.1 rebounds for every 36 minutes played, proving his capability to perform well in high-stakes situations, as evidenced by his contributions during the Denver Nuggets’ championship playoff run in 2023.
Although Brown is currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery, his involvement in practice indicates that a return might be on the horizon as he works on regaining his conditioning.
The potential acquisition of Bruce Brown by the Lakers could significantly enhance their roster depth and overall team dynamics, fostering a more competitive atmosphere during the remainder of the season. Such moves reflect a forward-looking approach as the team aims to remain relevant in the quest for another championship.
In summary, the Lakers’ continued interest in Bruce Brown highlights their commitment to building a stronger supporting cast around their stars, while the Raptors face a critical decision regarding the future of the veteran guard. The possibility of a trade could open new doors for both franchises, leading to an interesting dynamic in the league.