Report: Lakers in contact with Raptors over possible Bruce Brown trade

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking north for one of their top trade targets.

Los Angeles is attempting to work out a deal with the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown prior to the Feb. 8 deadline, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday on "NBA Today." Brown was acquired by Toronto from the Pacers as part of the trade that sent two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam to Indiana.

The Lakers reportedly had interest in Brown as a free agent last summer after he played a significant role in the Denver Nuggets winning their first championship - a run that included a four-game sweep of the Lakers in the conference finals. However, L.A. was ultimately outbid by the Pacers, who penned the wing to a two-year, $45-million deal.

The Raptors have informed teams that their minimum asking price for Brown is a first-round pick along with a productive player, insider Marc Stein reported on his "This League Uncut" podcast Monday. With guard Austin Reaves reportedly off limits in trade talks, it's unclear what names have been discussed between L.A. and Toronto.

Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell was apparently included in negotiations with the Atlanta Hawks for Dejounte Murray, though the Raptors already have two high-end rotation point guards in Immanuel Quickley - whom they recently landed from the New York Knicks - and Dennis Schroder.

In addition, the Lakers can't part with any of their first-round picks until at least 2029. However, they could try to entice the Raptors with the right to swap first-rounders before then.

Brown is registering a career-high 12 points per game in 35 combined appearances with Toronto and Indiana this season, along with 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steals. If he's traded, Toronto can't send him out with another player. However, the Raptors can break up an agreement into separate trades if necessary.