Guard Bruce Brown disclosed that he was on the verge of joining the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2023 free-agency period before choosing a different offer from the Indiana Pacers.
Speaking on the DNVR Nuggets podcast, the 6-foot-4 swingman said he was “about to sign” a three-year, $50 million contract with Los Angeles shortly after helping the Denver Nuggets sweep the Lakers in the 2023 Western Conference Finals and capturing the NBA title. Brown added that the Lakers intended to install him as their starting point guard and that he had already begun arranging a move to Southern California.
The plan changed when Indiana presented what Brown described as a more attractive proposal—a shorter commitment that provided similar total compensation. Brown signed with the Pacers instead, ending the Lakers’ bid to add one of that summer’s most coveted free agents.
Los Angeles had pursued Brown before free agency and reportedly revisited trade scenarios after his Pacers stint. Brown later spent time with the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans before returning to Denver for the current season.
The Lakers shifted their 2023 backcourt plans after missing on Brown, bringing in Gabe Vincent among other moves. On Monday the team announced Vincent will miss at least one week with a back injury.
Source: Lakers Nation
