Shannon Brown Undecided on Future with Lakers

While Thursday night’s draft wasn’t much to write home about for the Lakers it does reflect the uncertain future of the backcourt. The Lakers used their first two picks in the draft to grab a couple of guards both of whom Mitch Kupchak expects to compete for roster spots.

But you might be wondering, just what rosters spots are available in the backcourt?

With the CBA set to expire in a week and a lockout ominously looming on the horizon, Shannon Brown has yet to exercise the player option in his contract for next season. When asked about Brown’s status Kupchak seemed to indicate Shannon is a good as gone.

"“My guess is — and it’s only a guess — is that he will decide not to extend one more year.”"

Brown arrived in L.A. with little fan fare as trade throw-in. His athletic prowess quickly made him a crowd favorite while his quick grasp of the triangle and clutch shooting made both Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic expendable.

Shannon began last season looking like he’d turned the corner by finally becoming a consistent contributor off the bench. As the year went on Brown’s production dipped.

The last two years have been filled with the same contract drama for Shannon. In both instances he wound up inking the same deal. In many ways you can understand why he’s hesitant but you’d think he might want to ensure a pay check is waiting for him on the other side of the lockout.

The Times quotes Brown on his current status of limbo.

"“I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m trying to make sure it’s the right decision for me and my family. It’s not an easy thing.”"

No doubt Shannon wants a long term deal of some kind. Playing out one year contracts with an option can get tiring for anyone trying to making a living playing hoops. There is always uncertainty in any career involving athletics, doubly so when there is the threat of a work stoppage occurring.