Bruce Brown’s Almost Move to the Lakers After Nuggets’ Title Win
After the Denver Nuggets clinched their championship in 2023, the buzz surrounding Bruce Brown’s future was almost palpable. With the momentum from one of the best seasons of his career, it was widely anticipated that Brown would explore free agency. The Nuggets, facing a tight salary cap situation, were unlikely to retain him, particularly given the interest from several teams eager to offer him a lucrative deal.
Lakers as a Contender
In a recent conversation with DNVR Sports, Brown disclosed a stunning twist in his free agency saga: he was on the verge of signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. “I was going to the Lakers after the championship year,” Brown shared candidly. “Free agency started. They called me… J.O.’s my guy, and they wanted me to be starting point guard.”
The prospect of joining forces with LeBron James and Anthony Davis certainly piqued Brown’s interest. The Lakers had just made a deep playoff run to the Western Conference Finals, and Brown saw an opportunity to contribute significantly. He noted, “I want to win again. I can be a starting point guard for this, and all I’m doing is giving them the ball and getting the hell out of the way.”
The Lakers’ Offer
The fit was undeniably appealing. After the tumultuous Russell Westbrook era, the Lakers were in the market for a new point guard to complement their star duo. With Brown’s championship experience and versatility, it seemed like a match made in heaven. The Lakers were prepared to offer him a three-year deal worth $50 million, which reflected their belief in his potential to elevate their offense.
However, just as the deal appeared to be solidifying, the landscape shifted dramatically.
A Sudden Shift to Indiana
Before Brown could finalize his agreement with the Lakers, the Indiana Pacers made a bold move. “As soon as I get off the phone, it’s basically going to be announced,” Brown recounted. “Then my agent calls again. He’s like, ‘Hold on, we got a call from Indy… it might be a crazy deal.’”
The Pacers swiftly jumped in with a compelling two-year contract worth $45 million, prompting Brown to reconsider. “I’m like, what the f—? Where do we sign?” he exclaimed, clearly taken aback by the sudden turn of events.
Final Thoughts on Free Agency
Ultimately, Brown’s decision to join the Pacers highlights the unpredictable nature of free agency. What seemed like a clear path to Los Angeles transformed into a new chapter in Indiana. For Brown, this shift represents not only a significant financial opportunity but also a chance to carve out his role on a developing team eager to make its mark in the league. The basketball world will undoubtedly keep an eye on how this decision plays out in the seasons to come.
