The Los Angeles Lakers remain keen on acquiring Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown, a player they nearly signed as a free agent last offseason. According to NBA insider Jovan Buha, the Lakers had high hopes of adding Brown to their roster before he chose the Indiana Pacers, where he signed a lucrative two-year, $45 million deal in June 2023.
In a significant trade in January 2024, Brown was then acquired by the Raptors in exchange for Pascal Siakam. Currently, Brown is on the same contract and is expected to enter free agency after the 2024-25 season. With the Raptors focusing on developing talented young players around All-Star Scottie Barnes, it appears they may be open to trading the veteran guard rather than risk losing him in free agency.
For the Lakers, who are on the lookout for a solid supporting cast to complement their star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Brown presents an appealing option. His ability to influence games without dominating the ball, paired with his strong defensive skills and rebounding ability—averaging 6.1 rebounds per 36 minutes throughout his career—makes him a valuable asset. His playoff experience, including significant minutes during the Denver Nuggets’ championship run in 2023, further demonstrates his capacity to contribute under pressure.
Though Brown has not played this season due to knee surgery, his involvement in team practices signifies a potential return as he continues to work on his conditioning. This development could invigorate the Raptors’ lineup and open up additional opportunities for the Lakers to acquire him.
In summary, the potential acquisition of Bruce Brown could symbolize a strategic move for the Lakers, aiming to enhance their competitiveness and provide depth as they strive for success in the upcoming seasons. The situation remains dynamic, and fans will be eager to see how this unfolds.