Lakers next target could be snatched away by defending champs

The Lakers may have found their post-Jonathan Kuminga fallback plan.The reigning NBA champions could spoil that one, too.Veteran guard Bruce Brown has emerged as a potential Lakers target following Los Angeles’ failed pursuit of Kuminga, but NBA insider Brett Siegel believes the Knicks are currently the more realistic landing spot.“There’s been some talk about the Lakers wanting Bruce Brown after missing out on Kuminga, but I’m not really sure how much I believe that,” Siegel said on “Clutch Scoops.” “I would cast doubt on the Lakers.Could they make it happen? Maybe.

But I would look at the Knicks as a realistic option.”That would amount to another frustrating turn for Los Angeles after Kuminga chose a two-year deal with Minnesota.Brown would be a much smaller acquisition but arguably an easier fit financially.The 30-year-old played all 82 games for Denver last season, averaging 7.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.5%.He also brings championship experience from the Nuggets’ 2023 title team and can defend multiple positions, handle the ball and operate without needing a large offensive role.The Lakers have been interested before.

Brown revealed that he nearly signed with Los Angeles in 2023 before Indiana swooped in with a two-year, $40 million offer.Three years later, his market could come down to a veteran-minimum contract.The problem is that New York can offer a compelling destination of its own.Siegel believes Brown could function as a smaller-scale version of Josh Hart for the Knicks — defending, rebounding, creating and filling whatever role is needed for a team attempting to repeat as champion.“He could come in and play that Josh Hart-type role for the Knicks,” Siegel said.“I think, personally for me, that would be a really good fit.”Los Angeles also has other priorities.The Lakers already added Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams during an offseason focused heavily on defens...