In his two and a half years as a Laker, Brown has proved to be much more than just a “throw-in” for any trade. He has provided the purple and gold with a solid scoring punch off the bench, momentum changing highlight dunks that bring both home and away crowds to their feet, and Brown was a fantastic locker room presence.
With all the positive aspects of Brown’s game, there are some negatives. Brown lacked consistency in his scoring, some games he was on, some games he was off, big time. A lot of times he seemed to be aloof on the defensive end, he consistently missed defensive assignments. Shot selection was also a big problem for Brown, his tendency to take shots outside the offense often forced Phil Jackson to sub him out just as fast as he subbed him in.
With all that said, Brown has the opportunity to opt out of his current contract, and test the free agent waters, or he can pick up his player option which will pay him $2.4 million next season. The Laker brass expects Brown to opt out and check what other teams are willing to offer him, which leaves the purple and gold with a big hole on the bench. There are some free agents available that could fill Brown’s shoes, and even exceed what he brought to the table. Here is a breakdown of some realistic replacements for Brown at the backup two guard:
(Player – 2010-’11 team – Restricted/Unrestricted – 2010-’11 salary)
Anthony Parker – Cleveland Cavaliers – Unrestricted – $2.9 million
Parker could be a very good fit with the Lakers. He is familiar with coach Mike Brown, and the system that he likes to run, and he is a knock down three-point shooter which is a desperate need for the purple and gold. Another positive is Parker had a down year in 2010-’11 which may lower the price it takes to get him. Like Brown, Parker struggles defensively and lacks the freakish athleticism that Brown wowed us with nearly every game. If playing for the Lakers isn’t incentive enough, Parker’s sister, Candace, plays for the L.A. Sparks which may give him even more reason to suit up for the Lakers.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVsaWbxLbD8
Next: Roger Mason Jr.
Roger Mason Jr. – N.Y. Knicks – Unrestricted – $1.4 million
Mason had some productive seasons with San Antonio a few years ago. He has a good feel for the game, and if the Lakers new head coach decides to model his offense with the concepts he picked up as an assistant with the Spurs, Mason would fit in seamlessly. Mason was lost amongst all the youth in New York this past season, and isn’t a great defender, but he still brings a veteran presence and dead-eye shooting from the short-corner three.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtPEEJ7HPj4
Next: Old Friend with Great Hair
Sasha Vujacic – N.J. Nets – Unrestricted – $5.5 million
I’m sure 90% of Lakers Nation would be mortified about the idea of Vujacic suiting up in the purple and gold, but he is worth a look. Vujacic, as bad as his shot looked at times, can shoot the stand-still three very well. Remember, the offense that Brown runs requires a guy who can spot up in the corner or on the wing and knock down shots, and I think Vujacic can take care of that. Some other positives, Vujacic is familiar with what it means to be a Laker, and what it takes to win championships, don’t forget his two free-throws that iced game 7 against Boston. He also brings a defensive intensity, maybe overzealous at times, that the Lakers lacked in the playoffs this past year. Wherever Vujacic signs, he will be taking a very significant pay cut.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uiI58ZDSiQ
Next: Offer for a Former King
Marcus Thornton – Sacramento Kings – Restricted – $0.8 million (Kings made qualifying offer of $1.1 million to retain Thornton)
This may be a bit of a reach because of Thornton’s solid offensive production both with New Orleans and Sacramento in his young NBA career, but he is exactly what the Lakers need. Thornton averaged 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 27 games with the Kings last season after he was acquired via trade with New Orleans. Although Sacramento really likes Thornton’s game, he could be had, especially after the Kings acquired John Salmons through a draft day trade, and drafted BYU sharp shooter Jimmer Fredette with the 10th overall pick. There is a huge logjam of guards in Sacramento, which may allow the Lakers to pry Thornton away for the right price. Thornton can bring instant offense, and a youthful presence that the purple and gold are looking for.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHQp5L494II
Next: Time to Antagonize South Beach
Delonte West – Boston Celtics – Unrestricted – $1.1 million
Again, West is a guy who is familiar with how Mike Brown runs his team. West played under Brown in Cleveland for nearly three seasons. West can play both on the ball and off the ball, and that kind of flexibility with a bench player is a luxury to have. He is a decent three-point shooter, 37% for his career, but West has the capability to take the ball off the dribble and create shots for his teammates. He brings defensive intensity and a plethora of playoff experience. Many question West’s character, and off-court decision making, but he has a good rapport with coach Mike Brown.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bY2o9tEo6c
Next: The Brain
Shane Battier – Memphis Grizzlies – Unrestricted – $7.4 million
The only obstacle in getting Battier would be the money situation. Battier is coming off a $7.4 million pay day last year with Memphis, and is surely looking to be paid somewhere in the same ballpark as that. If Battier would take a slight pay cut in order to help the Lakers win their 17th title, this could turn into a beautiful relationship. Battier is a high character guy, he is a solid defender, and he can knock down three’s with the best of ’em – 38.5% for his career. Although he is more of a small forward, he and Matt Barnes are versatile enough that they could play the two guard for the Lakers in Mike Brown’s new system.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7op–wHVEIk
Who do you go with?