The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly pursuing Bruce Brown, a skilled 3-and-D player who previously contributed to the Denver Nuggets. Brown recently revealed that he was on the verge of joining the Lakers in 2023, envisioning himself as their starting point guard alongside stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This potential move, valued at $50 million over three years, would have brought his defensive versatility and reliable 3-point shooting to a Lakers team that had just reached the Western Conference Finals. Despite their past interest and current need for a two-way forward, the Lakers ultimately missed out on Brown in 2023, and more recently, on Jonathan Kuminga.
Lakers' Pursuit of Bruce Brown and His Near-Signing
NBA insider Jake Fischer indicates that the Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing Bruce Brown, a versatile 3-and-D wing with a proven track record from his time with the Denver Nuggets. Brown's value lies in his defensive prowess, capable of guarding multiple positions, coupled with his consistent 3-point shooting and secondary ball-handling skills. This isn't the first time the Lakers have shown interest in Brown; their pursuit of him dates back to the summer of 2023, immediately following his NBA championship victory with Denver. Brown himself recently shared that he was very close to signing with the Lakers in 2023, where he envisioned a significant role as the starting point guard alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Brown revealed that the Lakers had contacted him at the start of free agency in 2023, offering him a three-year deal worth $50 million. His vision was to become the starting point guard, facilitating play for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, a role he believed would lead to continued success given the Lakers' recent Western Conference Finals appearance. However, Brown ultimately signed with the Indiana Pacers, and after a brief stint, he returned to the Denver Nuggets last summer. The Lakers, who were swept by the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, were actively seeking to bolster their roster with a player of Brown's caliber, particularly his defensive and offensive contributions.
Brown's Player Profile and Lakers' Current Roster Needs
Bruce Brown is recognized for his effective and versatile defensive capabilities, allowing him to guard a minimum of three positions on the court. Beyond defense, he is a reliable 3-point shooter and a competent secondary ball-handler, making him a valuable asset to any team. During his last season, he averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 24.4 minutes per game, with impressive shooting percentages of 47.5% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. Originally a second-round draft pick in 2018 by the Detroit Pistons out of the University of Miami, Brown has steadily built a reputation as a high-impact role player in the NBA.
The Lakers are currently in need of a starting-level two-way forward to strengthen their roster. While Brown, at 6-foot-4, might not be the ideal choice to start at a traditional forward position, his all-around game and defensive versatility could still be a significant benefit. The team recently missed out on Jonathan Kuminga, whom they had pursued throughout the summer, as he ultimately decided to join the Minnesota Timberwolves. This underscores the Lakers' ongoing search for players who can contribute on both ends of the court, highlighting why Brown remains a target despite his previous decision to sign elsewhere. His past performance and expressed interest in joining a winning organization like the Lakers make him a compelling option for their current roster construction needs.
