It goes without saying that the Los Angeles Lakers are in dire need of assistance. The offseason coaching acquisition of JJ Redick has not been effective enough to elevate the team to the championship level they aspired to reach.
Furthermore, while Anthony Davis has delivered a stellar early-season showcase worthy of MVP consideration and LeBron James continues his timeless contributions, these efforts can no longer serve as the Lakers' saving grace. The team must refine its roster and discover the right formula to enhance their title prospects.
With that in mind, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be active in monitoring the trade market, aiming to secure deals for potential game-changers who can seamlessly integrate with their roster and provide the much-needed depth they require.
In a previous Grade the Trade piece, we examined the Lakers’ pursuit of Toronto's Jakob Poeltl, a move that would significantly enhance their insufficient center depth. This time, however, the focus shifts to an experienced guard.
One name that has surfaced in trade discussions involving the Lakers, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, is veteran guard Bruce Brown of the Toronto Raptors.
Brown has spent the entire season on the sidelines so far as he recuperates from knee surgery.
Despite a significant decline since his time as an impact player for the 2023 Nuggets NBA title team, Brown still has the ability to defend multiple positions and locate his teammates, offering an essential element that Lakers basketball desperately needs.
Thus, this hypothetical trade offer presents Los Angeles with a valuable rotational asset to bolster their championship ambitions. In return, Toronto can acquire additional draft capital and take a chance on players who may align well with their franchise identity.
Laying out the details of the trade
So what would a hypothetical trade package surrounding Bruce Brown look like between the Raptors and Lakers? Here are the key puzzle pieces that might be involved as mentioned by Aaron Rose of Toronto Raptors on Sports Illustrated:
In evaluating Toronto's return, the team is acquiring three players—Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino—in exchange for two. To comply with the NBA's new tax apron and salary matching restrictions, it will be necessary to include Bruno Fernando in order to align salaries and facilitate the trade. Fernando has been associated with several NBA contenders, and although he may not significantly transform the Lakers' frontcourt, he undoubtedly provides valuable depth in that position.
Gabe Vincent is unlikely to ignite much enthusiasm among Raptors fans, as he currently ranks among the least desirable guards in the NBA. It wouldn’t be surprising if Toronto decides to trade him elsewhere, buy him out, or simply allow him to fulfill the duration of his two-year contract; either way, he is unlikely to play a significant role in the Raptors' rotation.
The other two players, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jalen Hood-Schifino, offer a greater level of intrigue. Vanderbilt embodies the Raptors' culture perfectly; he is a versatile wing player capable of finishing strongly around the rim and securing rebounds at will. However, uncertainty surrounds Vanderbilt’s game due to his inconsistent three-point shooting and persistent injury concerns, which have impacted his ability to stay on the court recently.
As for Hood-Schifino, the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, it has been a less than stellar NBA campaign for the former Indiana Hoosier. Hood-Schifino has largely proven ineffective at the NBA level and even in the G League, where his struggles have continued.
He may not clearly emerge as a potential breakout candidate, particularly given that the Lakers appear to have completely abandoned hope in his potential by declining his option for next season. Nevertheless, the Raptors could seek to salvage what remains of Hood-Schifino's game and help elevate him to success.
The allocation of draft capital would need to be determined by both teams' discretion. However, if the recent Dennis Schroder trade is any indication, it would be difficult to believe that Bruce Brown could command a first-round pick. Instead, it would likely involve a similar package, potentially including two or three second-round picks, particularly given that the Lakers hold two second-rounders in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
Should the Raptors make this trade?
This deal would appear much more favorable for Toronto if they aim to make a push for the play-in tournament or the playoffs. However, their direction remains uncertain, possibly leaning more towards a strategy of thinning out and recuperating losses for a successful campaign next season.
Hood-Schifino may be a young asset at the moment, but he isn't particularly exciting. With talented players like Jamal Shead on the roster, as well as the competition posed by Davion Mitchell, Hood-Schifino will find it challenging to distinguish himself and secure significant rotational minutes as a guard for Toronto.
Jarred Vanderbilt may appear to be a potential Raptors darling, but at 25 years old, he is not an exciting young asset with much room for growth. Moreover, Vanderbilt is not expected to return to the court until at least January, as he continues to recover from nagging injuries.
Additionally, one could argue that rookie Jonathan Mogbo already embodies what Vanderbilt brings to the table, albeit at a younger age and a more economical contract.
Furthermore, it would be challenging to envision leverage being in the Raptors' favor in acquiring additional desirable assets. NBA Insider Jake Fischer recently remarked on Sportsnet's The Raptors Show in late November:
"In that $20-25 [million] range, it's going to be really interesting how difficult a trade comes in this new salary matching. On the whole, on the value, don't seem to be excessive contracts, but the math is going to be harder to work now."Jake Fischer
Acquiring Brown will inevitably cost the Lakers at least three players, making the second-round picks more of a bonus from Los Angeles' perspective. Anything beyond that would be overly optimistic for Toronto, although the NBA has witnessed some surprising trade packages in the past.
That being said, it's certainly not a terrible trade. Rather, it piques the interest of the Raptors' front office, prompting them to explore their options before reaching a final decision.
Grade: B