Ranking the Lakers’ minimum contracts by likelihood of being traded

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 07: Juan Toscano-Anderson #95 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a loose ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 7, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 07: Juan Toscano-Anderson #95 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a loose ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 7, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
(Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

3. Troy Brown Jr.

The initial wave of free-agent signings that the Los Angeles Lakers made all revolved around Klutch Sports. In some instances, it paid off for the team as they got a breakout player in Lonnie Walker IV who has exceeded expectations this season.

However, there are also some pretty valuable free agents that would have been perfect in LA that the team passed on. Instead, the front office was seemingly more interesting in doing LeBron James a favor and signing players that are repped by his agency.

Troy Brown Jr. still made sense as a signing. He had youth on his side and is an athletic wing that added to an area of need for the team. Early on in the season it looked like the Lakers hit a home run with the signing as Brown was playing a somewhat big role and looked good.

However, Brown has since returned to earth this season and while he gets ample minutes (24 minutes per game), he does not really do all that much. Over his last 15 games he is averaging 4.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 41.9% from the field and 30% from three.

Because he plays an area of need for the Lakers the team is not going to be outright shopping him. But I certainly would not rule out Brown being traded as he simply has not been that impactful this year.