Everything you need to know about potential Lakers signing Sterling Brown
By Jason Reed
January 5 was an important day for the Los Angeles Lakers as it opened a window for the team to add short-term help that could have developed into a long-term role. NBA teams can sign players to 10-day contracts starting on January 5 and the Lakers have had an open roster spot to use since waiving Matt Ryan.
There were plenty of options for the Lakers to consider, both if they wanted to add three-point shooting or if they wanted to add size while Anthony Davis is injured. It appears that the Lakers prefer the former based on the latest name that is tied to the team.
According to Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers are progressing towards signing Sterling Brown to a 10-day contract. Brown was playing in the G League for the 905 Raptors and last played in the NBA last season for the Dallas Mavericks.
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Everything Lakers fans need to know about Sterling Brown
Before diving into basketball, it is important to remember Sterling Brown’s importance in the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to boycott a playoff game in 2020 after the Jacob Blake shooting. Brown was a prominent voice for the Bucks during that time as he previously was a victim of a police brutality incident that resulted in a settlement that brought change to the Milwaukee Police Department.
These guys are humans, too. We cannot just talk about what they bring to the basketball court without bringing up their importance in standing up for the causes that are near and dear to their hearts.
As far as basketball is concerned, Brown would be the definition of a flier signing that could either work out wonderfully for the Los Angeles Lakers or end up not making much of a difference. If the Lakers get the best version of Brown then they could be adding legitimate wing depth that aids the team for the rest of the season.
Brown’s three-point ceiling is far better than anyone currently on the Lakers. Two seasons ago he shot 42.3% from three in 5.4 attempts per game with the Houston Rockets. He was one of just 16 players in the league that season to shoot 42% or higher from three with at least 200 attempts.
However, there is also a floor that is concerning with Brown’s three-point shooting. Last season he shot 30.4% in 92 attempts. Brown does not add much more offensively, so when his three isn’t hitting he can be limited as an offensive piece. While he has athleticism to get to the rim, he is not a shot creator nor someone who will get open looks for others.
Defensively, Brown is a serviceable wing defender that can hold his own on that side of the court. I would not go as far as to say that he is a great three and D wing, but if his shot is hitting he fills into that role nicely.
Brown is a smart flier for the Lakers to take and if it doesn’t work out the team will be fine. If it does, though, Los Angeles would be getting depth in an important area.