Bruce Brown Reveals He Was “Going to the Lakers” Before Stunning Pacers Offer

Bruce Brown almost became a Los Angeles Laker in 2023. The veteran guard revealed this stunning detail in a new interview. He was set to leave the Denver Nuggets after their championship win. The Lakers offered him a three-year contract to be their starting point guard.

Free agency opened and the call came from LA. Brown saw a perfect fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He was ready to accept the deal and move to Hollywood. Then, a last-minute offer changed everything.

How a Massive Indiana Pacers Deal Altered NBA Free Agency

The Lakers’ plan was concrete. According to Brown’s interview with DNVR Sports, he was moments from signing. The proposed deal was worth $50 million over three seasons. Brown envisioned himself initiating the offense for a contender.

Suddenly, his agent called with a new offer. The Indiana Pacers entered the fray with a shocking proposal. They offered a two-year contract worth $45 million. Brown’s reaction was immediate and decisive.

He asked his agent where to sign. The higher annual value and shorter term were too good to pass. This pivot sent Brown to Indiana instead of Los Angeles. It also created a major “what-if” for the Lakers’ roster construction.

The Ripple Effects of a Free Agency Near-Miss

This revelation highlights the volatile nature of NBA free agency. A few minutes and one phone call can alter multiple franchises. For the Lakers, missing on Brown led them to other guard options. They had to continue their search for backcourt stability.

For Brown, the Pacers deal provided significant financial security. His journey since has been a whirlwind. He was traded to Toronto and then New Orleans. He has now completed a circle by returning to the Denver Nuggets.

The impact on the Western Conference landscape is intriguing. A Brown-led Lakers backcourt could have changed playoff dynamics. Instead, the guard is back with the team where he found his greatest success. He aims to help Denver chase another title.

This Bruce Brown Lakers free agency story shows how quickly plans can unravel. His ultimate return to Denver closes a fascinating chapter. The NBA landscape nearly looked very different.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How much did the Lakers offer Bruce Brown?

The Los Angeles Lakers offered Bruce Brown a three-year contract. The total value of the deal was $50 million. This was during the 2023 free agency period following Denver’s championship.

Q2: Why did Bruce Brown choose the Pacers instead?

The Indiana Pacers presented a superior financial offer at the last second. Their two-year, $45 million deal had a higher annual salary. Brown and his agent viewed it as an undeniable opportunity.

Q3: What team is Bruce Brown on now?

Bruce Brown is currently back with the Denver Nuggets. After stints with the Pacers, Raptors, and Pelicans, he returned to Denver. He is now focused on helping the team win another NBA championship.

Q4: What role did the Lakers want Brown to play?

The Lakers intended for Brown to be their starting point guard. They saw him as a primary ball-handler to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His playoff experience was a key factor in their interest.

Q5: Who reported this story originally?

The revelation came from Bruce Brown’s interview with DNVR Sports. This Denver-based sports outlet conducted the sit-down conversation. The details were later corroborated by other major sports news networks.