After Jonathan Kuminga chose Minnesota, the Lakers may shift from chasing a young, high-upside forward to adding a proven veteran in Bruce Brown.
NBA insider Jake Fischer indicated that Los Angeles remains a possible destination for Brown, whose name has been connected to the franchise before.
“I think he’s in the mix for the Lakers, a team that has had some interest in him for several years now,” Fischer said.
The Lakers made a serious attempt to sign Brown following Denver’s 2023 championship run. Brown was reportedly prepared to accept Los Angeles’ three-year proposal before the Pacers came forward with a two-year, $40 million contract.
His circumstances are much different now. Brown could be attainable for the veteran minimum, allowing the Lakers to strengthen their rotation without making the type of financial commitment that would have been required for Kuminga.
Brown would give Los Angeles another defender capable of matching up with different positions while also providing some ball-handling and outside shooting. Those skills could make him useful in lineups featuring Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
He showed last season that he can still contribute consistently, appearing in every regular-season game for Denver. Brown posted 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while connecting on 38.5 percent of his 3-pointers.
The Lakers have already added Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams this offseason, so Brown would further deepen a group of versatile perimeter players.
A roster move would have to come first, however. Los Angeles currently has 16 players under contract and needs to reduce that number before the season begins.
Brown would not offer Kuminga’s youth or upside, but he could give the Lakers a cheaper and more experienced alternative as they finish building their roster.
