Lakers Send Devin Ebanks to D-League

A season that was looking like a step forward in the progression of Devin Ebanks is turning into another extension of his rookie year. Today the Lakers announced the second year forward out of West Virginia is being sent to the L.A. D-Fenders of the NBA Developmental League.

This marks Devin’s second stint in the D. As a rookie he played six games with the Bakersfield Jam where he put up some nice numbers.

Coming out of the abbreviated camp, Mike Brown made Ebanks a starter preferring Metta World Peace to be the team’s sixth man. Devin didn’t contribute much but did add an element of athleticism and outside shooting somewhat reminiscent of the last man to sport #3 in purple and gold – Trevor Ariza.

Eventually Matt Barnes replaced Ebanks in the starting lineup and slowly but surely Devin’s court time disappeared. At least he’ll get plenty of PT with the D-Fenders. This lockout didn’t do Devin any favors. He impressed enough to be included in the starting five but his development was definitely stunted by having to learn a new offense and adjust to a new role on the fly.

Given his size and skill set, there is plenty of promise for Ebanks as a Laker. The problem is with the shortened season nearly halfway done there just isn’t as much time for him to get up to speed as you’d like. But at least he’s got a coach like Brown that is willing to give him a chance. There is no chance Phil Jackson would have entrusted the inexperienced Ebanks as a starter. PJ generally has disdain for youngsters learning the NBA ropes.