Bruce Brown, recently traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Toronto Raptors in the Pascal Siakam deal, is once again the subject of trade talks, with the Los Angeles Lakers expressing a keen interest in acquiring the NBA champion.
Jova Buha from The Athletic reported that the Lakers are closely monitoring the situation, and if the Raptors decide to part ways with Bruce Brown Jr., they are eager to secure his services. This interest stems from the Lakers’ pursuit of Brown last summer, a pursuit that was derailed when the Pacers presented a cap-space offer.
Adding to the speculation, ESPN’s NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski shed light on the Lakers’ persistent pursuit of Bruce Brown, dating back to their elimination in the Conference Finals against Denver.
Despite Brown’s subsequent deal with Indiana, the Lakers continued their efforts to bring him to Los Angeles, and now, with Brown in Toronto, the Lakers are exploring potential pathways to secure him.
Wojnarowski stated on NBA Countdown, “From the time the Lakers lost to Denver, got eliminated in the Conference Finals last year, there’s been one player they’ve really been focused on trying to acquire – Bruce Brown Jr.”
“So I think, you look at Toronto talked to Masai Ujiri today, he watched Bruce Brown essentially get off the place yesterday walk out in the court, shoot 7 for 10, get seven rebounds,” Woj added. “They’re in a rebuild and they’re going to go very, very young in Toronto.
“He does see the value of a 27-year-old tough veteran around his young players, but there is a big market for Bruce Brown. Teams like New York are interested. But continue to watch the Lakers with Bruce Brown to see if there’s a pathway.”
This season, Brown, 27, is averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3 assists. In his sole game with the Raptors post-trade, he scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Under a team-friendly two-year, $45 million contract, Brown’s 2024-25 season features a team option, providing flexibility for potential suitors like the Lakers. As trade discussions heat up, the Lakers, along with other teams, are closely watching the Bruce Brown situation.
