Los Angeles Lakers: Jabari Brown Signed

By Chris Walton | Apr 4, 2015

Mar 30, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jabari Brown (15) dribbles the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard JaKarr Sampson (9) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Whether this market is the free agents looking for a one-year deal, or D-League prospects excelling on that level, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to add to the team. Most recently, you see them bringing in Wesley Johnson or Xavier Henry as those one-year free agents. As for the D-League guys, they’ve taken on Tarik Black, Ryan Kelly, and Jabari Brown.

These guys are heavy in the rotation for the remainder of season, and are likely to be a part of the big future envisioned by their front office and fans.

Steve Nash recently made his retirement official after high hopes of bringing back “Showtime” to the Lakers. With Nash out of the league, the Lakers waived him and freeing up a spot on the roster for Jabari Brown via BasketballInsiders.com.

More from Los Angeles Lakers

The team acted swiftly in negotiating with Brown and bringing him on for the remainder of the season. No details have been released regarding the terms of his deal, but it is expected to be a multi-year contract. Along with multiple years, numbers are likely to not weigh too much on the Lakers cap space next season, estimated from $25 million to $30 million.

This was the right decision in having another young talent locked in for the season. Brown has proven himself worthy of being in the NBA. In his 10-game appearance with the Lakers, Brown is averaging 9.4 points per game, and scored a career-high of 22 points against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.

Even greater for the Lakers, is that they continue building a unique comradery between Brown and Jordan Clarkson. Their reuniting of the two could mean big things for the Lakers. As Clarkson is emerging as one of the best rookies from the most recent NBA Draft, Brown could see similar benefits going into next season. The two are definitely enjoying being on their NBA journey, as they took years ago at the University of Missouri.

Clarkson shared the moment with LakersNation editor Ryan Ward:

”It definitely feels good to have my brother on board again. Last game it felt like a college game having him out there running w/ me. It’s good, it’s a blessing.”

Now that the Lakers have started to work on some young foundation, the team has to set its eyes on keeping their 2015 draft pick. Once moves are made from there, they can continue to work Brown into their system and build. He is likely to become the scorer that they’ve lacked without Kobe Bryant and Nick Young. Brown will have a major role with the Lakers, and it is one that he’s shown the tools to fulfil.

The best part about everything is that Brown will play with a chip on his shoulder. Not one of the 29 NBA teams wanted to take a chance on him. For that, he is grateful to the Lakers and eager to continue showing why he belongs in the league. Any extra motivation and drive is good, especially for a Lakers team fighting to regain competitive spirit.

Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Of The 1980s

More from Hoops Habit

Home/Los Angeles Lakers