The Dichotomy of Jordan Farmar & Shannon Brown

Within the brain trust of the Los Angeles Lakers, an interesting and troubling question has arisen.

To most coaches, it would be a problem that I'm sure they would like to have. But to Phil Jackson and his assistants, I'm not sure if this one is a blessing or a curse.

Jordan Farmar, the de-facto future point guard of the Lakers, appears to have been thrown down the depth chart due to the acquisition of Shannon Brown.

While similar in both talent and size, it took right up until the playoffs for Brown to earn playing time. However, since grasping the intricacies of the Triangle Offense, Brown (it would appear) is now the backup to incumbent Derek Fisher.

The question that has to be weighing on the minds of the coaches, though, is which of these young athletic point guards is the best fit. Not for just this playoff run, but likely as well for the future.

No team remaining in the playoffs can boast the depth and well-roundedness that the Lakers have at the position. But, neither does any other staff have to juggle the playing time or egos of—when including Derek Fisher—three players who justifiably feel that they should get the majority of the minutes.

For now, the Lakers appear to be comfortable with adjusting playing time according to matchups and situations, and it has served them well so far.

But you can't help but think what each player will have to say about their role on the team after the season is over.

That is a question that Phil Jackson and Mitch Kupchak would prefer to wait to answer.