NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers 'Like' Bruce Brown, Felt They'd Sign Him ...

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The Los Angeles Lakers have continued to show interest in Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown after nearly signing him as a free agent during the 2023 offseason, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

"I know the Lakers like Bruce Brown," Buha said on his YouTube channel (47:15 mark). "They thought they were going to get him before he went to Indiana."

The 28-year-old signed a two-year, $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers in June 2023. He was then moved to the Raptors as part of a blockbuster trade involving Pascal Siakam in Jan. 2024.

Brown is still on the same contract, meaning that he's slated to become a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. With Toronto prioritizing young players surrounding All-Star forward Scottie Barnes, the Raptors appear to be interested in moving the veteran instead of watching him potentially leave during the summer.

For a Lakers team searching for a better supporting cast around stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Brown is an enticing option.

He's shown that he can be impactful without needing the ball in his hands, making his presence felt with his defensive acumen and rebounding instincts. Brown has averaged 6.1 rebounds per 36 minutes throughout his career and has already shown that he can thrive in a rotation with contending aspirations.

He was on the floor for 26.5 minutes per game during the Denver Nuggets' 2023 playoff run that culminated in a championship.

Brown hasn't suited up this season after undergoing knee surgery, but his participation in practice suggests that he may be able to return once his conditioning improves.

As Los Angeles looks to improve upon its 16-13 record and attempt a postseason push, Brown appears to be a target ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.