The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly maintaining their interest in Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown, whom they nearly signed during the 2023 offseason. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers believed they were on the verge of acquiring Brown before he ultimately signed with the Indiana Pacers.
Brown, who is 28 years old, signed a two-year, $45 million deal with the Pacers in June 2023. However, he was traded to the Raptors in January 2024 as part of a major deal involving Pascal Siakam. Currently, Brown remains under the same contract, set to become a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. As the Raptors shift their focus toward developing younger talent around All-Star forward Scottie Barnes, they may consider moving Brown rather than risk losing him in free agency.
For the Lakers, who are looking to enhance their roster around superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Brown presents an appealing option. He has demonstrated the ability to contribute significantly without needing dominant ball control, showcasing his defensive skills and rebounding prowess. Throughout his career, Brown has averaged 6.1 rebounds per 36 minutes and proved his value in a high-pressure playoff environment, notably averaging 26.5 minutes per game during the Denver Nuggets’ championship run in 2023.
Despite undergoing knee surgery, Brown’s return to practice indicates that he may soon be back in action, potentially revitalizing a team eager to improve its chances for a successful season.
Overall, Brown’s combination of skills and playoff experience could bring a significant boost to the Lakers, making this potential trade a topic worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. With a little bit of patience and careful planning, both Brown and the franchises involved have the opportunity for a successful outcome in the near future.