The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a familiar crossroads - chasing roster balance in hopes of maximizing their star power. With Luka Dončić continuing to shoulder a massive load on both ends of the floor, the Lakers are in clear need of a versatile, two-way wing who can complement his game without becoming a liability on either side.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole. It’s about finding a player who can hold his own defensively while offering enough offensive punch to keep defenses honest. A one-dimensional piece - whether it’s a defensive stopper who can’t shoot or a scorer who gets hunted on switches - just won’t cut it for a team with championship aspirations.
One name that’s quietly started to make sense in that conversation: Christian Braun.
Now, Braun may not be the flashiest name floating around the trade market, but he checks a lot of the boxes the Lakers are looking to fill. The 6-foot-6 wing out of Kansas - and current Denver Nugget - has built a reputation as one of the league’s more reliable two-way role players. His game is built on energy, defensive toughness, and just enough offensive versatility to make him a nightly contributor.
It’s worth noting that Braun inked a five-year, $125 million extension with Denver that kicks in for the 2026-27 season. That kind of financial commitment tells you all you need to know about how the Nuggets view his value. He’s set to make an average of $25 million a year - a figure that might raise eyebrows at first glance, but starts to make sense when you factor in his growth and the rising cap.
This season, Braun’s numbers have taken a bit of a dip - 9.5 points per game on 45.9% shooting from the field and just 21.2% from beyond the arc in 14 appearances. But those stats come with context: injuries have slowed him down, limiting his rhythm and availability.
Still, when healthy, Braun has consistently proven he can impact the game on both ends. He’s springy, he’s active, and he knows how to stay engaged whether he’s defending on the perimeter or cutting off the ball.
What’s made Braun even more intriguing as a potential trade target is what’s happening behind him on the Nuggets’ depth chart. Peyton Watson has taken full advantage of Braun’s absence, stepping into the spotlight and delivering the best basketball of his young career.
The UCLA product is averaging 14.5 points per game on a scorching 50.8% from the field and 42.1% from deep over 43 games. That kind of production - especially from a wing - doesn’t go unnoticed, especially for a team looking to stay competitive while managing a tight cap sheet.
With Watson emerging, Denver may suddenly find itself in a position where moving Braun becomes more of a strategic decision than a sacrifice. If the Lakers are serious about adding a two-way wing who fits their timeline and can contribute right away, Braun’s name should absolutely be on their radar.
Of course, the big question is cost. Denver hasn’t made its asking price public, and with Braun under contract for the long haul, they’re under no pressure to move him. But if the Lakers can put together a package that makes sense - both now and for the future - this could be the kind of under-the-radar move that pays off in a big way.
For a team that’s been searching for the right mix around Dončić, Braun could be more than just a fit - he could be a game-changer.