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Lakers Consider Bruce Brown Trade as Deadline Approaches

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Jan 13, 2025 4:45 PM ET

According reports from The Athletic' s Jovan Buha, the Lakers are actively exploring trade options ahead of the February 6 deadline, with Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown emerging as a potential target.

For the Lakers, who are seeking to enhance their roster following their recent trade of D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith, Brown could be a realistic candidate. Brown's name has garnered particular attention in Buha's discussions with NBA analyst Jason Timpf, who views the veteran guard as a strong fit for Los Angeles.

Having played an important role in the Denver Nuggets' 2023 title run, Brown brings championship experience and defensive versatility. Despite his size, his ability to guard multiple positions could complement the Lakers' backcourt, especially alongside Austin Reaves. However, Brown's current season with the Raptors has been limited by injuries, appearing in just five games and posting modest statistics: 5.4 points, 2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists while shooting 37.9% from the field.

The 28-year-old guard's $23 million expiring contract presents a manageable financial framework for a potential trade. While the Lakers' front office may pursue more prominent targets, Brown represents a pragmatic option should other opportunities fail to materialize.

This acquisition would align with the Lakers' broader strategy of reinforcing their roster for a championship push. While speculation continues about possible trades for higher-profile players like Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal, or De'Aaron Fox, Brown's acquisition appears more feasible within the current market dynamics and considering the Lakers' financial constraints.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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