Lakers rookie guard Jabari Brown was named to the both the “All-NBA D-League Third Team” and the “NBA D-League All-Rookie Second Team” for his time with the D-Fenders before his March call-up.
Through 39 games with the D-Fenders, including 25 starts, Brown averaged 25.7 points while shooting 45.7% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range.
He made 19 appearances (five starts) with the Lakers, averaging 11.9 points on 41.2% and 37.1% shooting, respectively.
After his exit meeting with General Manager Mitch Kupchak and Coach Byron Scott, Brown acknowledged it was difficult waiting for his chance to play in the NBA.
“Things aren’t always gonna go easy,” he said. “Everybody’s road is different. There are guys that go top 10 and there are guys drafted in the second round. You’ve got to play to stay.”
Brown is under contract with the Lakers next season at $845,059, but his salary isn’t guaranteed.
In July, he’ll play with the Lakers’ summer-league squad in Las Vegas.
“I’m excited about what the future holds,” said Brown. “I’m going to take a little time off and get back in the lab — and get ready for summer league.”
Brown said that the Kupchak and Scott told him they liked what they saw out of him, that he made the most of his opportunity.
“I still need to prove myself in this league, but I got off to a good start,” said Brown.
The 6-foot-5 undrafted guard out of Missouri played 48 minutes in the Lakers’ finale, a loss to the Sacramento Kings, scoring a career-high 32 points while hitting four of six three-pointers.
D-Fenders rookie forward Roscoe Smith, who went through training camp with the Lakers, also earned third-team rookie honors with the D-Fenders.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times
