L.A. Lakers: Is Shannon Brown Ready to Walk a Few Steps in Kobe Bryant's Shoes?

A few months ago, Los Angeles Lakers' guard Shannon Brown, was unsure if his playing future would be continued in Hollywood.

But, due to Kobe Bryant's knee injury, Brown may be the team's most important perimeter player.

What a difference a few months make.

Bryant has made obvious strides in rehabilitating his injured knee, but it's also clear that he is nowhere near 100 percent.

In two recent preseason games against Utah, Bryant looked mobile enough. I'm sure he could begin the regular season on Oct. 26th if necessary, but why take the risk?

The Lakers' depth has been compromised by injuries to Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Sasha Vujacic, but the team is still talented enough to weather those storms; especially if Brown is able to rise to the occasion.

Brown has always been a fan favorite, and his energy and athleticism are impressive. But so far, he has yet to demonstrate that he is capable of manning the shooting guard position for a sustained period of time.

To be honest, Bryant's ability to stay healthy hasn't afforded Brown many opportunities. But when he has had the chance, his performances have been uneven.

Fans remember Brown's 27-point outburst while Bryant was sidelined last season, but that was really the only highlight in a two-week period where Brown was featured as the Lakers' starting shooting guard.

That performance proves that Brown has the ability to score points in bunches, but can he do it in a consistent manner?

Talent has never been Brown's issue. He has superstar qualities, if not potential.

But molding everything together and grasping the Lakers' schemes has been a different issue entirely.

Assistant coach Jim Cleammons has stressed the importance of Brown catching the ball, setting his feet and releasing a shot, as opposed to putting the ball on the floor and attacking the rim.

Cleammons' advice makes sense, considering Brown is one of the Lakers' better outside shooters. But the suggestions have been slow to sink in.

Brown did listen in a recent preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, and his 16 points—mostly from the perimeter—was one of the defining points of the Lakers' win.

Coach Phil Jackson echoes Cleammons' concerns, but for a different reason.

Jackson feels Brown's insistence on dribbling into the lane clogs the middle, and Brown often finds himself stuck in the air without an outlet to pass to.

Jackson doesn't mind if Brown penetrates; he just prefers for him to do it with a purpose. If the opposition respects his jump shot more, Brown's lanes to the basket will open up.

Brown also suffers some of the same issues on defense, where his lack of discipline and fundamental technique prevents him from excelling in a part of the game where he should be superior.

Brown is a decent individual defender, but he doesn't read switches well, and often finds himself out of position during the rare times the Lakers double team the opposition.

These are mostly minor issues that can be eradicated as Brown's game continues to evolve, but unfortunately, the Lakers may not be able to wait that long.

The best thing for Bryant may be playing him sparingly until his knee is fully healed, or possibly shutting him down for the first month of the regular season period.

Pau Gasol is one of the better second options in the NBA, and Lamar Odom would be a full-time starter on most teams. But in order for Odom and Gasol to be effective, someone has to keep the opposition honest from the perimeter.

Derek Fisher, Steve Blake, and even Ron Artest and Matt Barnes will get their opportunities. But Brown is more versatile offensively, and his athleticism creates more of a mismatch for opposing defenses.

No one is expecting Brown to replicate the performances of Bryant, because that's impossible. But he does have the offensive ability to keep defenses from sagging towards the middle.

Fans have patiently waited for Brown's game to catch up with his physical abilities. If the Lakers are smart, they will give Brown the opportunity to prove he is heading in the right direction.

The Lakers don't want Brown to become Bryant, because no other player in the league can wear those shoes. But it would be nice if he could slip them on for a little while if needed.