4 Realistic Lakers Trade Targets at the Deadline
By Cem Yolbulan
2. Bruce Brown
If Caruso is out of the Lakers' price range, Bruce Brown may be the next best thing. He has similar strengths and weaknesses to Caruso and would be an intriguing option in Los Angeles.
Brown can play and guard multiple positions. He is a playoff-proven player as he demonstrated his two-way ability with the Denver Nuggets as they won the NBA title in 2023. He is not the most explosive offensive player, but he is dynamic, athletic, and smart.
He knows how to play off-ball as he fit perfectly next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray in Denver. He can do the same with the Lakers next to LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Anthony Davis. The Lakers need that defensive stopper on the perimeter and Brown can certainly fill that role.
After signing with the Indiana Pacers last offseason, Brown was traded to the Toronto Raptors mid-season as part of the Pascal Siakam trade. Toronto is entering a rebuilding phase and doesn't really need Brown's skill set. He could be easily acquirable for the Lakers.