Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Brown Developing Nicely In The D-League
By Chris Walton
Anthony Brown surges for the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Development League affiliate.
When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Anthony Brown out of Stanford, it was destined for him to become the team’s prototypical small forward amongst a dynamic group in today’s NBA. Brown’s role is simple, and that is to show a consistent three-point shot and bring defense on the perimeter.
While the part he must play sounds simple and readily available, the team understands that Brown will need just a little more time to get his feet wet on the professional level.
Head coach Byron Scott spoke with Bill Oram of the Orange County Register, and gave Brown a glowing endorsement early in the season. Despite it just being preseason with five starts, Scott noticed how valuable Brown could be on the defensive end:
ALSO ON HOOPSHABIT: 25 Best Players To Play For The Lakers
"“He didn’t try to do too much,” Scott said. “Just did the things he was capable of doing. That first unit, they start off the game very aggressive on that end of the floor and that’s what I’m looking for.”“He’s probably one of our best perimeter defenders,” Scott said. “He gets after people, he’s not afraid. He’s a physical type of small forward.”"
It was no surprise that the team sent him down to their Development League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders. Minutes were scarce for Brown early in the year. Thus far, the move has proven to be a great one for both parties involved.
Brown put uo 22 points in his D-League debut and has not looked back since his strong performance. Overall he’s averaging 16.6 points per game on nearly a 56 true shooting percentage (per basketball.RealGM.com). This stretch is impressive considering Brown has yet to start a game yet for the D-Fenders.
Just as expected, Brown has been showing off his jumper from all over the court, and deceptive ability to finish around the rim.
The Lakers need Brown to turn this valuable time into a role once he becomes a fixture on the team’s active roster. Aside from Metta World Peace and Kobe Bryant’s small forward masquerade, the team has no depth to follow the two. Given the age and performance of World Peace and Bryant, Brown is sure to bring a influx of more energy and effort as a younger prospect.
As the season becomes more and more of a wash for the Lakers, the expectation is for Brown’s year to play out like Jordan Clarkson’s time last season. After Clarkson seen limited action early on and went down to the D-League, he emerged as the team’s starting point guard for the latter portion of the season’s second half.
Clarkson ended up becoming an All-Rookie selection and the rest has been history. Brown may not have that same story, but if he can get any time this year, it’s a win in the same sense for him. Despite not being one of the higher caliber rookies, Brown is going to be an important piece of the Lakers’ future.
Next: NBA Finals History: Ranking The Last 50 Champions
The team is handling his situation about as best as a franchise can do. The only thing left now is to wait on a greater opportunity for Brown, and he must continue to trend upward.