2. Bruce Brown Jr.
Speaking of guards, another potential guard target for the Lakers over the summer could be Bruce Brown Jr. Brown does not fit into the traditional point guard role like Jackson but that actually might be ideal as he is more versatile as a combo-guard.
Brown is not guaranteed to test the free-agent market like Jackson is this summer, though. Brown has a player option for the 2023-24 season that he could utilize to stay with the Nuggets for one more year.
However, unless a player’s value has absolutely tanked, these player options are often not picked up as the player would instead sign a multi-year deal that pays the same (if not more) per season with more guaranteed money in total.
Bruce Brown Jr. would be a pricier option for the Lakers
Brown would by no means break the bank for Los Angeles but he would be a far more expensive option than Jackson. If Brown is opting out of his $6.8 million salary next season it becomes the starting point for a multi-year deal. In reality, Brown will likely get in the ballpark of a three-year, $25 million contract.
But at his best he is definitely worth that money. He is someone who can hit shots from beyond the arc when everything is working while also playing quality defense as an interchangeable combo guard.