Lakers Reportedly Face Decision Between Bruce Brown, Brook Lopez, Two Other Free Agents

Los Angeles faces a tough decision on how to use its midlevel exception, and it could net a strong free agency return.

The Lakers may not be going star-hunting this offseason, but they’ve been connected to a number of intriguing and immediate-impact free agents already. A name floated previously was Nuggets guard Bruce Brown and it was received well by the fanbase for the most part.

However, it appears that the Lakers have two paths to go, one of which could feature potentially signing Brown or Bucks center Brook Lopez with the non-tax midlevel exception.

But there’s also an alternate path that only adds to the situation facing Los Angeles. As ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported, the Lakers could use that midlevel exception on Brown or Lopez but also could split it up and bring back a fan-favorite and veteran sharpshooter in the process.

Among the players L.A. has interest in signing with the non-tax midlevel are Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown and Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, sources told ESPN.

L.A. could also elect to split the full midlevel and pursue multiple free agents with that money. Point guard Dennis Schroder, who had a successful season with the Lakers last year, and shooting guard Eric Gordon, who was waived by the Clippers on Wednesday, are names the Lakers could target in that scenario, sources told ESPN.

The Lakers should have a busy few days ahead, and may very well begin free agency by making some noise, which hasn’t always been the norm for Rob Pelinka and company.