Laker fans, would you like Shannon Brown to be more of a slasher?

Shannon has improved a lot since last season. His improvement has made him a critical part of the second unit for the Lakers and the reason is his improved jump-shot. Remember, last year every laker fan cringed when they saw Shannon taking a jump-shot, and while it still isn't perfect, the Lakers can now rely on some scoring from Brown off the pine. His role last season was to serve as that energy spark type of player, but now we rely on perimeter scoring from Brown. I'm sure Shannon wants to slash more but he has to stay within the confines of the triangle. That is why Phil puts either Bynum/Gasol (lately it has been Gasol more even before Drew's suspension) to run the offense. Odom doesn't play in the post, so having one of the 7 footers in the game helps the bench become a bit more balanced.

In my opinion, Shannon takes a lot of jumpers because believe it or not, he's pretty erratic with the ball when taking it to the rim. He's not a great ball handler, so it's hard for him to create that separation. Also, he isn't that quick with the ball. He has phenomenal straight line speed but in terms of moving side to side, he lacks quickness. It's surprising to hear that he doesn't have great quickness, considering how athletic he is, but its a different story when there are defenders positioning themselves for charges or quick swipes than having a clear pathway to the rim. Every Laker fan would love for Shannon to slash more but I just don't think he has refined his game enough to drive on a consistent basis. He just became a decent shooter, so it'll take time for him to improve in other parts of his game with the limited minutes he receives. I'm sure Shannon will eventually learn how to effectively balance his perimeter scoring while also driving to the basket. I just think that it won't happen with the Lakers. We have the highest payroll, and while Laker fans would love to resign the high flyer, I'm sure he wants more opportunities and dinero. He had better offers last year, but decided to return for a chance to win a three-peat.

What I would love for Shannon to do is to become more consistent on defense. Lakers originally traded for Shannon because of his efforts on the defensive end. It's not that he doesn't have the physical tools to become a lock down defender (but his lack of quickness is evident on the defensive end, as many quick point guards have torched him at times). He just has to play smarter position defense and learn when to help or to not. I see Shannon confused at times on the defensive end where he has lapses that results in the opposition scoring. Improvement on the defensive end will serve the Lakers better than his ability to drive.

Yeah i would but the Lakers need his outside shooting. The way that players like Kobe and Gasol can draw doubles leave him open a pretty good amount of the time. Also he doesn't play a whole lot so i mean we don't get to see his complete game.

I do think so. What people don't know is that he averages around 90% from the free throw lines. So he could be getting easier three point plays in instead of settling for his (improving) jumpshot. Don't get me wrong, his 3 pointers are pretty critical but he seems deadlier driving.

Shannon must be youthful, yet when the lakers wanted to win this year, JR must be ideal. he's tremendous for ALL those motives you suggested. i imagine he's an excellent team participant and is a experienced veteran.

That's exactly what I think. He settles for jumpshots too much. He has the speed and athletictism to drive more to the paint and get for FT. Hewould need more playing time though. :D

Yes! when he has his shot going, it's all good.he does however, need to mix it up every now and then. He's really athelic and so he should take advantage of that by driving in more often.

No,I like his game and the way he's improved!Maybe that's something he will work on in the off season!

well he doesnt get enough mins to show ppl

Lakers are Fakers!

**** LA