As the NBA world moves inches closer to the trade deadline, the Lakers finally seem to have a realistic proposition. All these months, the rumor mill diverted the fans’ attention into thinking that the LakeShow was looking for a 3rd superstar. But now, the team could revive its championship ambition by including the strong role player, Bruce Brown. This trade won’t solve the long-standing Anthony Davis placement hiccup, but it sure does put the LA team on the right track for now.

Bruce Brown, who is currently serving the last year of his two-year contract with the Raptors, was originally signed by the Pacers. Apparently, the Lakers had pursued the guard during the 2023 off-season following his successful stint to help the Nuggets win their first chip. Nevertheless, a year and a half later, the star player has again come on the LA radar.

According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, the Raptors are “very motivated” to move the star ahead of the deadline! At the same time, Fischer also stated, “If no trade materializes involving Brown, he would surely be in great demand as a buyout candidate.” In that case, the Lakers and Nuggets emerge as the interested candidates to add him to the roster if that happens.

On a side note, “The Nuggets, sources say, would love a reunion with the veteran swingman affectionately known as Brucey B.” So, the LA side can’t be complacent with this trade approach, for sure. Notably, Brown is a valuable candidate no matter what, but taking him in after the buyout is more rewarding…

Rob Pelinka would ideally prefer just signing a trade without losing any of his key rotational assets. The team can just wait for the contract to end or for the Raptors to agree on a mutual ending, sorting Brown’s guaranteed $23 million salary for this season. However, the Lakers may have to keep an eye for various reasons. The hoopster had a delayed start to this season, recovering from a knee surgery. So, the LA team can’t take him in just to warm the bench. Nevertheless, it still won’t solve the big man issue.

The Lakers still struggle to ease Anthony Davis’ burden

Last night, the Lakers took on the Clippers and suffered an embarrassing defeat. It was a clinical performance from the Clips, putting their best efforts on all fronts. Especially, Ivica Zubac, the team’s center, put up 21 points with 19 rebounds, completely nullifying Anthony Davis‘ presence at the rim. Ironically, Zubac was one of the key assets moved out from the Lakers roster in the late 2010s, to create cap space to accommodate AD from the Pelicans. Now, the Brow is single-handedly shouldering the big man’s duties.

Ahead of this season, LeBron James came forward to reduce his salary, to accommodate a veteran big, and to turn AD into a power forward. However, the team hasn’t done so, and it’s ultimately affected his output. He has also been dealing with a nagging left foot injury which keeps coming back. So, Pelinka has to work his magic before everything falls apart and crushes Bron’s dream of a 5th ring.

One of the options that the Lakers can look at is Nikola Vučević. The Bulls’ big man, who is averaging 20+ points this season, has already made a huge noise in the trade market. The team can move up role players and make it possible. What do you think?