On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers assigned second round pick Anthony Brown to the LA D-Fenders.
Over the first 11 games of the 2015-16 season, Brown only appeared in three games for a total of 11 minutes and regularly appeared on the inactive players list. As such, news of the 23-year-old rookie going to the D-League for playing time should not come as a surprise. A year ago, second-round picks Jordan Clarkson went down to the D-League, and that time appeared to do wonders for the Lakers' starting guard.
In preseason, Brown played more consistent minutes, averaging 18.9 minutes over seven games. The Stanford Cardinal scored 3.6 points and averaged below an assist and a rebound per game, but Brown showed the ability to fit into the starting unit and perform soundly on the defensive side of the ball. As such, Brown appeared to be an option at starting small forward if and when Kobe Bryant missed games.
With the emergence of Metta World Peace and the stable slot of Nick Young off the bench, the Lakers have two options behind Bryant at small forward. Even when Bryant missed a game, like Monday night against Phoenix, Brown only managed two minutes of garbage time where he attempted no shots and recorded no statistical numbers of any value.
Brown likely expects to practice with the Lakers, while shuttling back and forth with the team's D-League affiliate for games. The Lakers had Tuesday off following a back-to-back, which the team split. Lakers coach Byron Scott should provide further details on Brown's status following Wednesday's team practice.
The D-Fenders play on Tuesday night in Bakersfield, and so, Brown should be available. The Lakers and D-Fenders both play on Friday night, and Scott's decision to retain Brown or to send him to Santa Cruz for the night should reveal more about Brown's status with the Lakers.
