NBA Champ Guard Emerges as Latest Rumored Lakers Target
By Cem Yolbulan
The Los Angeles Lakers are seriously involved in trade talks ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. After trading D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith, there is more work to be done for the Lakers to be a true title contender.
A day doesn't go by without a new name being rumored as a Lakers trade target. Some of these names are more realistic than others. While trading for players like Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal, or De'Aaron Fox seems highly unlikely, the Lakers are a good bet to make a lower-level move ahead of the deadline.
In fact, The Athletic's Jovan Buha singled out a veteran guard as a realistic Lakers trade target in his latest Mailbag episode. At the 13:15 minute mark, Buha suggests that Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown is a feasible option for Los Angeles.
NBA Rumors: Bruce Brown a Potential Lakers Trade Target
Brown's name came up again in Buha's next episode with NBA analyst Jason Timpf as a good fit for the Lakers.
On paper, Brown is a good fit. However, he has been injured most of this season, appearing in only five games. He is healthy now but hasn't looked particularly effective. He is currently 11/29 from the field and 1/6 from three for the season, averaging 5.4 points, 2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists on a terrible Raptors team.
He can obviously turn things around once he plays himself into shape. He has proven how impactful he can be, especially on the defensive end, during the Nuggets' 2023 championship run. He has the ability to guard multiple positions and play bigger than his size. Next to a defensive liability like Austin Reaves, he is as good of a backcourt fit as any.
The 28-year-old guard is on an expiring contract worth $23 million. The Lakers should aim higher at the trade deadline but if all else fails, Brown could be an intriguing backup plan.
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