Lakers may have perfect wing target after rivals shakeup

The Los Angeles Lakers will have new free agency plans...
New Orleans Pelicans v Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Pelicans v Minnesota Timberwolves | Ben Brewer/GettyImages

Bruce Brown being connected to the Los Angeles Lakers is not something new. Those links stemmed back to, at least, the lead-up to the 2024 NBA Draft. Now, there is a real opportunity for that union to finally happen.

Brown found a new home in the 2024-25 NBA season when he was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the New Orleans Pelicans as a part of the deal that landed Brandon Ingram north of the border. At first, there was real reason to believe Brown would stick around in New Orleans for the long haul.

When Brown and Kelly Olynyk were acquired in the Ingram trade, the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations at the time, David Griffin, highlighted the championship DNA that was brought to the team by the wing as integral. Griffin noted the move was not viewed as a 'short-term situation.'

However, after the Pelicans parted ways with Griffin following the conclusion of this year's campaign, Brown's future in New Orleans is far from concrete. The timing could not be better for the Lakers.

New report suggests Lakers have an opportunity to land their guy

Joe Dumars stepped in and took over the executive role for the Pelicans after Griffin's departure. NBA insider Michael Scotto noted that could play a major impact on the future of both Brown and Olynyk.

Scotto wrote, "It’s also worth noting that while former executive David Griffin wanted to re-sign unrestricted free agent Bruce Brown and keep center Kelly Olynyk into next season, according to league sources, it’s unclear how new executive Joe Dumars feels about both players."

The Pelicans wing will hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. The hope, for the Lakers, would be bringing him in on a veteran minimum after Brown enjoyed a healthy pay day on his last two-year, $45 million contract.

The seven-year veteran brings some desirable attributes that the Lakers could really benefit from in filling the obvious need off the bench.

The versatility that Brown has with his ability to play and guard positions 1-3 should offer JJ Redick some strong lineup versatility with the veteran piece. This will allow the Lakers coach comfort in not having to repeat the nightmare of a situation like Game 4 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Brown offers a solid complementary playmaking and shot-creating option offensively when the situation calls for it. The biggest concern on that end would be his 3-point shooting. Brown has fallen off a touch in the last couple of seasons.

However, that is something that Luka Doncic can help fix. The Lakers point guard is adept at creating easy, wide-open looks on offense for his teammates.

Finding low-cost, value free agents will be crucial for Rob Pelinka this summer. If the Pelicans are not committed to bringing Brown back and the market is not too rabid for the former NBA champion, this is a move that deserves a long look.