Lakers’ next target could be snatched away by defending champs
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Lakers’ next target could be snatched away by defending champs
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives against Bruce Brown of the Denver Nuggets, Image 2 shows New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown during a team practice, Image 3 shows Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts on the court during the third quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks
Ryan Anderson
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3 min read
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The Lakers may have found their post-Jonathan Kuminga fallback plan.
The reigning NBA champions could spoil that one, too.
Veteran guard Bruce Brown hasemerged as a potential Lakers targetfollowing Los Angeles' failed pursuit of Kuminga, but NBA insider Brett Siegel believes the Knicks are currently the more realistic landing spot.
Bruce Brown of the Denver Nuggets goes up for a shot between Day'Ron Sharpe and Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The Nuggets defeated the Nets 108-102. Corey Sipkinfor the NY POST
"There's been some talk about the Lakers wanting Bruce Brown after missing out on Kuminga, but I'm not really sure how much I believe that," Siegel said on "Clutch Scoops." "I would cast doubt on the Lakers. Could they make it happen? Maybe. But I would look at the Knicks as a realistic option."
Brown would be a much smaller acquisition but arguably an easier fit financially.
The 30-year-old played all 82 games for Denver last season, averaging 7.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.5%. He also brings championship experience from the Nuggets' 2023 title team and can defend multiple positions, handle the ball and operate without needing a large offensive role.
The Lakers have been interested before. Brown revealed that he nearly signed with Los Angeles in 2023 before Indiana swooped in with a two-year, $40 million offer.
New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown during a team practice on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Three years later, his market could come down to a veteran-minimum contract.
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The problem is that New York can offer a compelling destination of its own.
Siegel believes Brown could function as a smaller-scale version of Josh Hart for the Knicks — defending, rebounding, creating and filling whatever role is needed for a team attempting to repeat as champion.
"He could come in and play that Josh Hart-type role for the Knicks," Siegel said. "I think, personally for me, that would be a really good fit."
Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives against Bruce Brown of the Denver Nuggets during Game 5 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images
Los Angeles also has other priorities.
The Lakers already added Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams during anoffseason focused heavily on defense and roster balance, but questions remain about their frontcourt depth and size at forward.
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Dwight Powell has been mentioned as one realistic minimum-salary option because of his extensive history playing alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas. Drew Eubanks, Bismack Biyombo and Mason Plumlee also remain among the available veteran big men.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts on the court during the third quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks game on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
On the wing, the dream targets are much more ambitious.
OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges have been floated as the type of bigger two-way forwards who would give Los Angeles exactly what it lacks, although there is little reason for the championship Knicks to break up either piece of their core. Any significant trade would also likely require the Lakers to find a taker for Jarred Vanderbilt and combine additional salary and assets.
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That makes Brown attractive precisely because he wouldn't require a blockbuster.
The Lakers could add another proven defender and secondary ball-handler without dramatically altering the roster.
First, though, they may have to convince Brown not to join the team they could eventually have to beat in June.
