NBA FREE AGENCY: LAKERS INTERESTED IN DENVER NUGGETS BRUCE BROWN

 The Lakers are increasingly confident they can sign Nuggets forward Bruce Brown. Bruce Brown who helped Denver Nuggets sweep the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals en route to an NBA title is reportedly a target for the Lakers.

It’s a move that would cost the Lakers the full mid-level exception, something that would require some cap space.

The Lakers could offer him the full MLE ($12.3M annually), Nuggets can only offer him up to $7.8M this year.

Jovan Buha of the Athletic reported on Friday morning that the Lakers are increasingly confident that whatever the cap is required, they can lure Brown.

Bruce Brown averaged 12 points per game off the bench for the Nuggets during their playoff run to the NBA title taking on key defensive assignments throughout the postseason. Now the Lakers are going to make a run at him, The Lakers will not be the only team to make a run at Brown- Dallas and Houston are known to have interest and other teams likely will at least make a call on the availability and the bid could exceed the $12.3 million Los Angeles can offer. The Denver Nuggets only chance to keep  Brown under the term of the CBA is a long shot- he takes the Nuggets offer of $7.8 million on a 1+1 two-year contract, Denver may make that offer, but for Brown, this Summer is his chance at financial security and there is considerable risk in not grabbing it.

Bruce Brown is going to have options this Summer. Brown would be a very welcome fit for the Lakers, He’s a tremendous role player, averaging 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game last season, landing in Denver after two seasons with Brooklyn Nets.

Cover Credit - NBA