Lakers predicted to sign $3M Finals champion as perfect fit with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that this is Luka Dončić’s team, and there is no way around that. He has also made it known that he wants the organization to build a championship-caliber roster around him, a stance he expressed this time last year.

“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.

The Lakers could look to add a notable piece this offseason in Bruce Brown, a player they nearly signed last summer.

“Brown nearly signed with the Lakers in 2023 before the swooped in with a massive offer. Things didn’t work out in , so he was traded to the . Brown also made a stop in before returning to in 2025. He won a championship with the in 2023. Brown could offer similar out-of-position ball-handling and shot creation. He played a key role in the Nuggets' 2023 title run and was excited about joining the Lakers in 2023. This feels like the perfect fit, especially if can sign him at or near the minimum,”