The trade buzz surrounding the LA Lakers continues to pick up steam. With a 20-16 record despite significant roster deficiencies, LA might be in a position to make a move or two, putting it in contention to compete with the Western Conference’s powerhouses.

The Lakers have already made a quality acquisition by adding Dorian Finney-Smith. However, a 2-3 record since, with losses to the (then) 28-4 Cavaliers, 22-12 Rockets and 20-16 Mavericks, has highlighted the Lakers’ other needs. Primarily, they lack a center and another athletic guard who can be a serviceable offensive player.

The Lakers have limited assets in the form of players but three tradeable first-round picks. That handicaps them because they are only $3 million under the second apron and can’t take back more salary. The choices will boil down to what they need the most – an athletic shooting guard or a reliable center.

NBA analyst Jason Timpf considers getting LeBron James and Co. a new backcourt addition as the way forward. He listed Raptors Bruce Brown, who makes $23,000,000 this season, as a game-changing target. Timpf doesn’t consider Max Christie polished yet to take up the role he has in the starting lineup as the primary perimeter defender.

The 22-year-old’s learning curve doesn’t align with the Lakers’ win-now situation. Timp believes Christie is solid but not as dependable, which impacts LA in late-game situations. He’s had two blunders in close losses against the Hawks on Dec. 6 and Sunday against Houston.

Timpf acknowledged concerns with Brown being a 20.0% 3-point shooter but believes his defensive ceiling alone could heavily impact the Lakers if they need someone else on the floor instead of the inexperienced Christie in a big playoff matchup.

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The analyst also pointed out the ‘logjam’ in the frontcourt after Finney-Smith’s addition, hinting the Lakers should move on from Rui Hachimura as he’s unreliable. Timpf compared Bruce Brown Jr.’s defensive ceiling to Hachimura’s offense. The former was much higher in his eyes.

Lakers Trade Rumors: Can LA realistically acquire Bruce Brown?

Bruce Brown is an enticing target the Lakers have had their eyes on since the 2023 offseason. They were reportedly a suitor at the 2024 trade deadline, too. However, Brown’s $23 million contract may have been a stumbling block for the Lakers in designing a potential trade framework.

However, logistically, a trade is still possible. Rui Hachimura’s $17 million contract has to be the centerpiece of this move. Along with that, the Lakers must also attach Christian Wood’s $3 million minimum contract and Jalen Hood-Schifino’s $3.8 million rookie contract. Throwing in a second-round pick could sweeten the deal for the Raptors.

Meanwhile, the Lakers will see two frontcourt players departing, but if they preserve their three first-round picks, LA can pursue a center on the market by attaching Gabe Vincent or Jarred Vanderbilt’s $11 million $10.7 million contracts, respectively.

With this move, LA remains under the second apron, availing flexibility to make another deal.