The Los Angeles Lakers have had a number of intriguing players with their D-League affiliate, the Defenders. The list includes Terrence Williams, Xavier Henry, and Gerald Green. Like many NBA team’s development squads, the team provides themselves a chance to get a look at possible call-ups during the season, or beyond.
With the second half of the season under way, the Lakers will likely keep an eye on one of the best players in the entire D-League, rookie Jabari Brown.
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Many Laker fans may not be familiar, but Brown’s ties already run deep for Los Angeles. Brown was the backcourt mate to current starting point guard Jordan Clarkson while the two attended the University of Missouri.
The team first brought Brown on during the summer as an undrafted free agent. While he didn’t make the team’s opening night roster, they ultimately moved him to the Defenders, where he is enjoying an all-star season.
Brown has started 18 of 32 contests with the team, and he’s picked up the scoring slack of last season’s leader, Manny Harris. Brown is averaging 23.5 points on 46.5 percent shooting from the field. At 6’4″, he isn’t the typical size of today’s elite shooting guards like a James Harden or Klay Thompson. The skill that he possesses like the two is his niche for scoring in bunches.
One of the first eye-catching games for Brown was a 50-point performance in a victory against Sioux Falls Skyforce, a league-high this season. Brown shot a ridiculous 16-for-22 from the floor. Of course this is mostly against prospects for the NBA, but as a rookie exhibiting an array of scoring; it still shows enough ability to intrigue a team.
A 41-point performance against the Reno Bighorns was another one of his scoring explosions. Despite a losing effort, his blazing shooting of 55 percent during the game was yet another impressive display of efficiency. For a team like the Lakers, a player like Brown has a special ability that could become a useful team for a team with many holes.
Both Nick Young and Kobe Bryant are the team’s go-to scorers when healthy, but the notion of hopeful health is enough to imagine the team consider calling up Brown.
The Lakers do a decent job scouring the draft and free agency for players with potential, and it looks no different with Brown. If a team doesn’t put the bid in for his services then we may be looking at a potential piece to the team’s puzzle. Acquiring Brown would be the equivalent of bringing on another draft selection with ability.
Brown’s situation will be one to watch. The Lakers roster is full, but recent DNPs for Ronnie Price could lead to his release from the roster. If the team was smart, then the move would be a smart one. You have the chance to bring on a talented prospect like Brown for a small contract. His acquisition provides flexibility and development during a lost season.
All in all, Mitch Kupchak & Co. definitely has set up a decent hand in Brown’s future. Laker fans are hoping that this future starts sooner than later.
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