The Los Angeles Lakers could see their backup plan, veteran guard Bruce Brown, snatched away by the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks. This follows the Lakers' failed pursuit of forward Jonathan Kuminga, who signed a two-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. NY Post Sports first reported the story.
Why are the Lakers interested in Bruce Brown?
Bruce Brown represents a financially manageable and practical target for the Lakers. The 30-year-old guard played all 82 games for the Denver Nuggets last season, averaging 7.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.5% from the field. He brings valuable championship experience from the Nuggets' 2023 title run.
His skill set is a clear fit. Brown can defend multiple positions, handle the ball, and operate effectively without needing a large offensive role. The Lakers have been interested before. Brown revealed he nearly signed with Los Angeles in 2023 before the Indiana Pacers offered a two-year, $40 million contract. Now, three years later, his market value has dipped to potentially a veteran-minimum deal.
What makes the Knicks a strong competitor?
The problem for Los Angeles is that New York presents a compelling alternative. NBA insider Brett Siegel, speaking on "Clutch Scoops," expressed doubt about the Lakers' chances. "I would cast doubt on the Lakers. Could they make it happen? Maybe. But I would look at the Knicks as a realistic option," Siegel said.
Siegel believes Brown could function as a smaller-scale version of Josh Hart for the Knicks. He could defend, rebound, create, and fill any role needed for a team trying to repeat as champions. "He could come in and play that Josh Hart-type role for the Knicks," Siegel added. "I think, personally for me, that would be a really good fit."
What other roster needs do the Lakers have?
Los Angeles has other priorities beyond adding a guard. Their offseason has focused heavily on defense and roster balance, adding Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams. But questions remain about frontcourt depth and size at the forward position.
Dwight Powell has been mentioned as a realistic minimum-salary option due to his history playing with Luka Doncic in Dallas. Other available veteran big men include Drew Eubanks, Bismack Biyombo and Mason Plumlee. On the wing, the dream targets are far more ambitious. Players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are the type of bigger two-way forwards the Lakers lack.
However, there's little reason for the champion Knicks to break up their core. Any significant trade would likely require the Lakers to find a taker for Jarred Vanderbilt and package additional salary and assets. You can track the evolving roster on our roster page.
What happens next for the Lakers?
Brown is attractive precisely because he wouldn't require a blockbuster move. The Lakers could add a proven defender and secondary ball-handler without dramatically altering their roster construction. First, though, they may have to convince Brown not to join the team they could eventually have to beat in the playoffs next June.
Adding a player of Brown's caliber on a minimum deal would be a savvy move. But with the defending champions also in the mix, the path to securing him is far from clear. The front office must now decide how aggressively to pursue this option as they look to build a contender. Fans can follow the team's progress and check upcoming matchups on our schedule schedule.