Why Shannon Brown Is the Future for the Lakers

Lakers PG Derek Fisher has always been the great inspirational leader of the Lakers (and lately the spokesperson as well), but let's face facts. Fish is 35 years old. His skills are beginning to fade before our eyes. Mitch Kupchak and Jerry Buss have to have this thought in the back of their minds.

Last year, the Lakers traded Phil Jackson's favorite "space cadet" Vladamir Radmonavic for Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown. During the 2009 Playoffs, while backup guard Jordan Farmar was in a slump, Shannon Brown was inserted into games and left an impact on this organization from the start with his fearless play and his high-flying ability.

Here are a few reasons why I believe Shannon Brown, and not Farmar, will be the future point guard for the Lakers.

Reason #1: Jordan Farmar

The hometown kid from UCLA just hasn't performed to expectations. He has moments where it appears he's coming into his own, but those moments are far and few.

He often gets too excited when he plays, especially when he drives hard to the basket for a layup, often committing too much to the shot to see it roll out rolls. Farmar was getting minutes before simply because he was the only option.

With Brown in the lineup, Farmar's minutes sank, and Brown averaged more points in the Lakers playoff run than did Farmar.

Now, talks of dumping or trading Farmar have resurfaced, starting with him not being offered a contract extension. Jordan is in the hot seat, and he knows it.

Reason #2: Leaping Ability

Ask Mikki Moore what he knows about Brown's ability to "get on the trampoline," as Stu Lantz said.

His vertical leap is 44.5 inches and he's 6'2". I'm 6'7" and I can't dunk like that, and he's been doing this since he was a Spartan back at Michigan State.

Reason #3: Contract Extension - He Got One

Guess which Lakers point guard didn't get one? I'll give you a hint. His name ends with "MAR", and we all know that Lamar got his.

Plus, Lamar is a forward, dummy.

Not only that, but Shannon was the FIRST Laker to receive an extension this off-season.

Reason #4: Work Ethic

Brown has played on four NBA teams (Cavs, Bulls, Bobcats, and now Lakers) and one NBDL team (Iowa Energy, Chicago's NBDL affiliate), all who have seen the kind of player that he was and ultimately passed on him.

Shannon therefore must feel like he has something to prove, and you can sense it in the way he plays.