The Los Angeles Lakers’ fanbase will likely riot if the franchise fails to complete another meaningful deal before the Feb. 6 deadline.
While acquiring a respected Toronto Raptors forward and NBA champion wouldn’t move the needle for some, the Lakers would add a multi-dimensional 6-foot-4 weapon.
“This deal has a more impactful effect on the Lakers this season, losing season-long starter Rui Hachimura ($17.0 million) in this deal,” Fadeaway World’s Ishaan Bhattacharya wrote Monday.
“Hachimura is averaging 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds this season, proving to be a solid forward for the franchise.”
“Removing him from the rotation could upset the Lakers flow greatly, but the franchise has a potentially superior option on the bench with Dorian Finney-Smith right now.”
“If Hachimura is bound to be relegated to a backup role and have his value diminish, the Lakers could maximize it by flipping it to the Raptors by giving them a solid forward that they can either use or flip for additional assets.”
“Even with how bad (Gabe) Vincent has been, his on-ball defense and ball-handling have been useful in spurts, and there isn’t another guard to absorb those minutes.”
“This deal retains him and (Jarred) Vanderbilt, who would be another terrific defensive addition once he returns, giving the Lakers a menacing lineup led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.”
In Bhattacharya’s trade proposal, the Lakers would send Hachimura, Christian Wood, and Jalen Hood-Schifino to the Raptors for Brown.
After undergoing knee surgery in September, Brown was unavailable for the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Miami product missed the first 31 games of the year before debuting against the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 29.
Brown, a reliable contributor on the 2022-23 championship-winning Denver Nuggets squad, may not light up the scoreboard, averaging 5.8 points on 37.5% from the field and 20% from downtown this season.
Still, there’s a reason why franchises want to pry him away from Toronto.
As an engaged off-ball threat with commendable two-way instincts, Brown forces opponents to account for him on both ends of the floor.
Brown could be a sneaky good addition for the Lakers if they’ve seen enough from Hachimura in Los Angeles.
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