What happened: Jake Fischer said Los Angeles has maintained interest in Brown for several years and now considers him a potential target. Brown nearly joined the Lakers in 2023 before a two-year, $40 million offer changed his plans.

Why it matters: Brown would likely cost the veteran minimum, a cheaper pivot from the Lakers' pursuit of Kuminga, but he does not offer the same size at forward. Los Angeles has 16 players under contract, so any signing requires a corresponding move before the regular season.

What to watch: Brown's free-agent decision and the Lakers' roster cut or trade are the next checkpoints.