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Lakers predicted to part ways with Bronny James to sign $63M veteran ex-Nuggets NBA champion | Sporting News

The Sporting News · Hunter Cookston · 2026-09-05T14:36:50+00:00 · nguồn gốc

The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite the offseason, to say the least, with major changes to both the roster and the organization, including the arrival of a new owner. The Lakers are also entering the Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves era. Los Angeles is doing everything it can to improve the roster through trades or free agency. The team has been in a good position to potentially sign veteran NBA champion Bruce Brown. “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. The problem for the Lakers is that Brown is a valuable player who has the versatility to play multiple guard positions and take on almost any role. He is essentially the definition of a utility player. Adding him would be a major boost for Los Angeles, but the Lakers will have plenty of competition. “The Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers have recently expressed free agent interest in Bruce Brown. Now one of the best available unrestricted free agents, the versatile guard could help complete a title-contending rotation,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote. If Los Angeles wants to add Brown, the team will have to find a way to open up a roster spot, either through a trade or by cutting a player. Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney suggested that Bronny James could be the player the Lakers ultimately part ways with if it means creating room for Brown. “If the Lakers want to make a move that would free up room to add another player–Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer mentioned Bruce Brown as a possibility–they would probably need to make deals for both Knecht and Hardy, or offload a contract like that of Bronny James,” Deveney wrote. James has yet to carve out a consistent role with Los Angeles outside of situations where injuries force him into a larger role. Otherwise, he has seen limited opportunities, which could make Brown a more appealing option for the Lakers. Brown has made $63 million throughout his career. Taking on a role backing up Doncic or Reaves would not be a bad opportunity, especially with Brown's experience playing in the NBA Finals. For the Lakers, adding a veteran like Brown could provide valuable depth, versatility and championship experience as they prepare for the upcoming season. More NBA news: Spurs predicted to trade De'Aaron Fox for $226M star duo to pair with Victor Wembanyama Nuggets predicted to trade for $198M Lakers' generational 6x All-Star to pair with Nikola Jokic T-wolves reportedly interested in $277M NBA champion, 5x All-Star after signing Jonathan Kuminga Timberwolves make major ex-Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga announcement after $13M signing