Grading 4 Lakers trade deadline targets ranging from no-brainer to please reconsider

No-brainer: Bruce Brown

Bruce Brown has a robust trade market after getting dealt to the Toronto Raptors, as a result of the Pascal Siakam deal that sent the former All-NBA forward to Indianapolis. With the Raptors rebuilding and seeking to get younger, they don't have much of a need for Brown.

The Lakers, Nuggets, and Knicks are reportedly all in play for the 2023 NBA champion, which could cause the Lakers to miss out. Brown knows his role and plays it well, as he was a key component of the Nuggets' title in 2023.

Brown provides value as a playmaker and facilitator, which a team can never have too much of. In addition, Brown is a good 3-point shooter, as he made 35.8 percent of his treys last season and has made 35.3 percent of his threes since being dealt to Toronto.

The 27-year-old brings his lunch pail on every possession, which is what Lakers coach Darvin Ham loves, as evidenced by his comments about Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate.

and is a good wing defender, which the Lakers don't have much of. He also has a high basketball IQ and always seems to make the right plays.

Not to mention the fact that he doesn't have to touch the ball to impact winning.