Lakers linked to $63M ex-Nuggets NBA champion after missing out on ex-Warrior Jonathan Kuminga originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers pursued former NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga all summer, as he was their top priority after LeBron James left. LA remained firmly in the mix throughout the process, maintaining constant communication with Kuminga and his camp.
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The only other team standing in the way was the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they couldn’t offer him more money. Despite that, Kuminga ultimately agreed to a deal with Minnesota rather than joining LA.
“Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, plus a player option, agent Aaron Turner tells ESPN. Kuminga will be a starter alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert on the West contender,” ESPN’s Shams Charani wrote.
With Kuminga off the board, the Lakers can still look to add to their roster. A veteran NBA champion has recently emerged as a potential free-agency option for them, with Bruce Brown being mentioned as a name to watch in Los Angeles.
“I think he’s in the mix for the Lakers, a team that has had some interest in him for several years now,” Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer said.
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The thing about Brown is that he is one of the best role players in the league. He is willing to do whatever his team needs, and the former NBA champion nearly signed with the Lakers a few years ago.
“I was going to the Lakers after the championship. I was going to the Lakers,” Brown said. “Free agency started, and they called me. Darvin Ham is the head coach. And they wanted me to be the starting point guard. I got LeBron, I got AD, I got guys where they went to the Western Conference Finals. I want to win again.”
Brown would be a great pickup for the Lakers because he would fit seamlessly into his role with the team. He is also a trustworthy veteran who can knock down shots when he is needed.
Brown has made $63 million throughout his career. The eight-year veteran could be a great addition to provide depth around Luka Doncic, especially when the star guard needs a break. Brown is someone who can be trusted with the ball and asked to contribute in a variety of ways.
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