Lakers free agent target: Bruce Brown
The Lakers are reportedly significantly interested in Bruce Brown. According to the Athletic, LA is increasingly confident they can sign Brown to the full mid-level exception. Brown was pivotal for the Denver Nuggets on their championship run this season.
He averaged 12/4/3 with 1.1 steals while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three.
Brown was one of the Nuggets' best players throughout their playoff run. He plays well on both ends of the floor. Brown is a great defender that can defend guards and forwards. He stands at 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan.
REPORT: The Lakers have “significant interest” in signing Bruce Brown 👀
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 28, 2023
The Lakers could offer him the full MLE ($12.3M annually). Nuggets can only offer up to $7.8M this year.
(via @denverpost, h/t @msinger) pic.twitter.com/bS22OWAUFd
Brown was pivotal in limiting D’Angelo Russell in the Western Conference Finals against the Lakers. He would be a great fit in Darvin Ham's system.
Having an elite guard defender with Brown, an elite forward defender with Jarred Vanderbilt, and an elite rim protector with Anthony Davis would give them a great chance to have the top defense in the league.
They have other solid defenders on the roster as well.
Brown’s offensive game has continued to improve throughout his career. He is now a quality shooter, as well as a good rebounder and a solid playmaker.
Rob Pelinka said yesterday that the Lakers are looking for FAs who “play tough-minded basketball…defense…Don’t put themselves first…and reflect the personality of the head coach.”
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) June 28, 2023
Bruce Brown seemingly fits that description. Makes a lot of sense for the NTMLE. https://t.co/WQoiy3edNK
Brown is the perfect three-and-d role player for LA to pursue. The Lakers can offer him the full mid-level exception of $12.4 million per year, compared to Denver, who can only offer him $7.8 million this year.
The 26-year-old would be an excellent addition with his versatile two-way play. He’s a top-tier role player, and stealing him from Denver would not only give the Lakers a great player but also take a valuable piece away from the defending champions.
Rob Pelinka and the front office should pursue Brown and offer him the full mid-level exception, as he would be an elite role player to add to the roster.