Ranking 24 worst Lakers starters of the Kobe Bryant era
By Tyler Watts
16. Kwame Brown
Brown was the number one overall pick by the Washington Wizards in 2001. The 6’11 big man was projected to be a star and drew comparisons to Karl Malone and Chris Webber. He never reached that ceiling for a plethora of reasons.
Brown’s best season came in his third year as he averaged 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 30.3 minutes per game for the Wizards.
Brown was traded to the Lakers in 2005 for Caron Butler. Los Angeles hoped the 22-year-old could take the next step playing with Kobe Bryant, but it never happened. Brown was the opening night starter, but averaged 7.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 27.5 minutes per game. The 6’11 big man started all seven playoff games as the Lakers were bounced in the first round.
Kwame Brown spent two and a half seasons in Los Angeles before being traded for Pau Gasol in 2008. The deal led to an epic Steven A. Smith rant burying Brown and his lack of production. Bryant had more than a few things to say about the big man, including calling him “challenged” offensively.
Kwame Brown’s defense was serviceable as he helped the Los Angeles Lakers make two playoff appearances. He was forgettable and never should have started next to Kobe Bryant, but he is far from the worst Laker of this era.