Could the Lakers add Bruce Brown?
The Los Angeles Lakers have already undergone significant offseason changes, but they might not be done.
The Lakers were tied to unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, but a deal never got done after Kuminga rejected an early offer from the team and then a sign-and-trade could not be worked out later in the offseason.
Kuminga ended up signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a two-year deal worth just over $12 million.
Though the market is bare with training camp right around the corner, the Lakers are still exploring options.
According to Jake Fischer of the Stein Line newsletter during a Bleacher Report stream, the Lakers are now being linked to veteran Bruce Brown.
Fischer said he believes Brown is in the mix for the Lakers, who have had interest in him for several years.
What Does Bruce Brown Add?
Brown played in all 82 games for the Denver Nuggets last season, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He shot 47% from the field and 38% from three. He’s a stout defender, though his metrics slipped last season. The Nuggets as a whole were not a good defensive team, and he could return to form around better defensive players.
Brown won a championship with the Nuggets in 2023 and is a respected voice in the locker room, which could help a Lakers team that has completely shifted this offseason.
He has bounced around since leaving the Nuggets in the 2023 offseason before finding his way back to Denver last offseason.
A Worthwhile Shot For The Lakers?
Despite all their changes, the team doesn’t seem satisfied, as they looked at acquiring Kuminga and are now looking into Brown.
The team added defensive wings like Ziaire Williams, Mattise Thybulle, and Quentin Grimes while also drafting Cameron Carr. Brown would be another addition to the group in hopes that one or two of the five can separate themselves over the course of an 82-game season to solidify their spot in the playoff rotation.
It’s not a bad strategy as the team searches for the right mix, and we’ve seen how important depth is throughout the regular season and playoffs. The NBA is a war of attrition, and the Lakers are gearing up for the long haul.
If Brown were to sign with the Lakers, it would be on a minimum deal as the team has no cap space or exception money. They would also have to make another roster move, as they are over the contract limit.
