Bruce Brown seems likely to be available after being sent to the Raptors, and the Lakers might be among the teams eager to make a trade offer.
Last offseason, the Lakers were thrown into an audible when all the signs pointed to Bruce Brown being signed with their mid-level exception. Unexpectedly, Brown received a much larger contract offer from the Pacers than the Lakers could have given him.
The purple and gold decided to change their strategy and signed Gabe Vincent as a result, however due to injuries, this decision has not yet proven successful. Their focus hasn’t changed, though, on Brown, who inked a two-year contract with Indiana that includes a team option for the second year.
Furthermore, Brown seems to be available again after being sold to the Raptors in exchange for Pascal Siakam. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN spoke about the Lakers’ interest in Brown and his potential as a trade deadline possibility prior to Friday’s game against the Nets.
It would be difficult to trade for him because he is owed $22 million. A financial swap between him and D’Angelo Russell makes sense, and given their past interactions, it would be funny. However, that trade would leave the team without a lead ballhandler and with an unbalanced roster.
Brown fits on the roster clearly no matter who you trade for. He is a 3-and-D wing who was crucial to the Nuggets’ championship victory by sweeping the Lakers. It seems natural and simple to place him next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
However, there will be other teams who are interested in him besides the Lakers. And the Lakers’ tiny roster does not lend themselves to a bidding war. However, Brown will be in great demand because other teams will also see his value. Not just the Lakers.
