Former Los Angeles Lakers starter Troy Brown Jr. remains an unsigned NBA free agent as of late August 2026. The 27-year-old wing last played in the league during the 2023-24 season, and his continued availability comes as the Lakers look to move on from a tough playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026.
Who is Troy Brown Jr.?
Troy Brown Jr. was the 15th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Oregon. He spent his first two and a half seasons with the Washington Wizards. His best statistical year came in 2020, when he averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over 69 appearances.
Brown Jr. then played for the Chicago Bulls before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022. In his single season with the Lakers, he put up 7.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest. He shot 38.1% from three-point range and started 45 of his 76 games. That Lakers team, with Brown Jr. contributing off the bench, advanced to the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
Why is he still a free agent?
After leaving the Lakers, Brown Jr. split the 2023-24 season between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons. His production dipped to averages of 4.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 59 games. Teams may be evaluating his fit after that quieter season. At 27, he's in his prime but hasn't recaptured the form he showed earlier in his career with the Wizards.
His skill set as a 6-foot-6 wing who can defend multiple positions and hit the occasional three-pointer still holds value. Brown Jr. could be a solid addition for a team needing depth on the perimeter. But the right contract and situation haven't materialized yet this offseason.
What's next for the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Lakers' immediate focus is on the upcoming season, not the free agent market for former players. Their 2026 playoff run ended with a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12. That defeat capped a difficult finish, as the team's recent form shows four consecutive losses after a single win (LLLLW).
Head coach JJ Redick, who was introduced in a press conference back in May, will be tasked with steering the team forward. The Lakers open their 2027 campaign on October 21 at home against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Fans can track the team's progress and full schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
While Brown Jr.'s future is uncertain, the Lakers have moved on. His tenure with the team was brief but included a deep playoff run. Whether he finds another NBA home before his career ends is an open question. For now, he represents an experienced wing option for any general manager looking to bolster their bench scoring and defense.
