The Los Angeles Lakers could be positioned to make a starting-caliber move this offseason. Several additions have already been made, but the feeling is that the roster could use some fine tuning.
LeBron James left and took his veteran leadership and experience with him, which to get in one player would be a tall task. With wing additions certainly needed, the Lakers could pivot to other candidates.
One potential option is Denver Nuggets wingman Christian Braun. He is a difficult target given his hefty contract, but the Lakers could work out a creative framework to land the 25-year-old star.
In a proposed deal involving the Miami Heat as a third team, the Lakers receive Christian Braun and a 2029 second round pick. The Nuggets get Nikola Jovic, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht and two second round picks in 2031. The Heat receives Cam Johnson while the Detroit Pistons take Jarred Vanderbilt.
Braun is still only 25-years-old and still has plenty of upside. With L.A. on the lookout for another starting wing, Braun could be a reasonable target as the Nuggets work out their difficult financial situation.
Lakers Proposed Trade Lands Star Wing Next to Luka Doncic
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on December 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Braun signed a $125 million rookie-scale extension with Denver last October. He did earn it after a breakout year in the 2024-25 season, but his deal looks head-scratching now. The Nuggets already have their star trio on significant deals, and they made those deals four years ago.
Now, it appears that the Nuggets are open to listening to offers for Braun with a potential contract for Peyton Watson on the line. The young wing is reportedly asking for similar or more than what Braun was offered.
Clearing Braun’s deal relieves cap space but the salary would have to be shorter term deals. The Lakers have pieces to move to make this trade work. Stars like Vanderbilt, LaRavia and Knecht would be split between two other teams involved in this trade. Their outgoing salaries would match Braun’s incoming deal.
This way, the Lakers can find enough space to fit Braun despite the fact that they just extended Austin Reaves to a new and improved deal this summer.
Having Doncic, Reaves, Walker Kessler and a potential Braun would take the Lakers near the luxury-tax line. They would be capped at first apron if they do this trade.
If the Lakers look beyond the restrictions to come after, they could get a young two-way wing who already helped Denver win a championship as a rookie.
How Braun Can Deliver an Impact
Braun had a slow year from his breakout season, which is all the more reason why his extension was questioned. However, the Lakers aren’t necessarily looking to add a high-production star. In fact, if Braun can just give the Lakers what he gave the Nuggets in the 2024-25 season, L.A. would be in business.
Braun is not a flashy star, but he could complement Doncic. The Lakers are moving to surround their Slovenian superstar with a strong supporting cast as they move post-James
The Nuggets star did battle with injuries this past season, which could be a worrying sign. He played only 44 games after playing above 70 games for most of his career up to that point.
Lakers Proposed to Land Young 2-Way Star With Luka Doncic in 3-Team Trade