​The Los Angeles Lakers are currently eyeing Jonathan Kuminga as their top forward option in free agency. However, Kuminga’s contract demands appear higher than what the Lakers are willing or able to offer, complicating their pursuit. In the meantime, a clear backup plan has started to take shape as teams weigh their paths if Kuminga remains out of reach. Former Denver Nuggets champion role player Bruce Brown has emerged as the Lakers’ primary fallback option, should Kuminga slip away. Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Ward outlined the Lakers’ situation, noting that there is mutual interest between Kuminga and Los Angeles, and that the Atlanta Hawks could be open to a deal, but Kuminga’s price tag could derail the pursuit. Brown, while not offering Kuminga’s size or reach, brings championship experience, solid rebounding, sturdy defense, and capable ball-handling as a reliable bench contributor.
Brown would become a priority for the Lakers only if the Kuminga chase ends without a resolution. In the current free-agent landscape, Brown does not yet have a clearly defined path to a landing spot, which could work in Los Angeles’ favor if they decide to pursue him on a more economical contract. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka may find it feasible to sign Brown at a minimum contract, potentially delivering more value relative to Kuminga if a longer, more expensive deal cannot be arranged.
The Lakers’ overarching objective remains to add Kuminga, who they view as the most dynamic forward on the market with the highest upside among available names. To secure him, Kuminga would likely need to negotiate a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks or rely on the Hawks relinquishing him if the Warriors renounce him as part of a negotiated deal. Atlanta, however, does not appear eager to retain Kuminga unless his price comes down, a stance that has been reinforced by the Warriors’ decision to move Kuminga to the Hawks at the trade deadline after tensions with Golden State reached a tipping point.
A potential concern for the Lakers is the pattern of teams passing on Kuminga’s long-term potential within the past season alone. If several organizations are unconvinced that Kuminga can translate his talent into sustained NBA success, that skepticism can translate into hesitancy to commit a substantial contract, complicating the Lakers’ bid to secure him.
Brown’s current strategy, along with his team, seems aimed at letting free agency unfold and waiting for teams to feel pressure to add another forward as the market tightens. Brown helped the Nuggets capture the 2023 NBA championship and subsequently served as a valuable role player for last season’s playoff squad. Teams that value depth and versatility in the rotation would likely welcome a player of Brown’s caliber, particularly as a credible option off the bench who can contribute in multiple areas.
Brown and his representatives expect that once the higher-priced options are exhausted, the Lakers and other contenders will turn to him as a more affordable, sensible addition. The price point for Brown is expected to be more accessible, which could position the Lakers to reach out quickly once they pivot away from Kuminga. Other contending teams that face depth concerns, such as the Miami Heat or the Boston Celtics, could also enter the mix, complicating the free-agent race and potentially benefiting Brown’s market by broadening the field of competition.
In summary, the Lakers remain aggressively focused on Kuminga as their top forward target in free agency, hoping to secure the high upside he offers. If Kuminga’s demands prove prohibitive or if Atlanta’s price remains untenable, Bruce Brown stands ready as a practical, lower-cost alternative who can contribute immediately as a reliable wing with championship pedigree and veteran savvy. The evolving market will determine whether Los Angeles moves decisively for Kuminga or pivots quickly to Brown as a sensible, cost-effective fallback.