L.A. Lakers: Is Shannon Brown the Front-Runner for the NBA's 6th Man Award?

Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown finally seems to get it.

Since Brown first made his way to Los Angeles via Charlotte, Lakers' fans have been impressed by Brown's athleticism, his rim-rattling dunks, energy and, most importantly, his potential.

Most of us have wondered how good Brown could be if his skills ever caught up to his athleticism. This season may be providing a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Brown has been the most consistent reserve for the Lakers so far this season. His 11.3 points per game, 52-percent shooting from the field, and 51-percent shooting from the three-point line are the highest numbers of his career.

Everyone figured that Brown was capable of putting up those type of numbers once he became comfortable with his game. But I'm not sure anyone anticipated what Brown displayed Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.

In a 118-107 Lakers win Brown scored 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 shooting from the three-point line. And 16 of his 21 points came in the fourth quarter, when the Lakers wrested the game away from the Bucks.

Brown has said his goal is to win the NBA's Sixth Man award. A few more performances like Tuesday's can bring that dream closer to reality.

There was nothing but praise for Brown from his teammates and the Bucks. Former Cleveland teammate Drew Gooden called Brown's fourth-quarter performance one of the most efficient he's ever seen.

Teammate Kobe Bryant said that Brown is playing with more confidence, he's looking for his shot more, and his defense has also improved. Bryant went on to say that Brown is still only touching the tip of the iceberg as far as his potential goes, and there is more to come.

Coach Phil Jackson echoed Bryant's words and also added that Brown has progressed tremendously from last season. But there are still several areas of his game that can improve.

Really?

Any more improvement from Brown, and it could be time to start calling him a star. Based on what I've seen this season, that may not be too much of a stretch.

When most people discuss the NBA's top sixth men, the names that jump immediately to mind are Atlanta Hawks guard Jamal Crawford and Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry.

Both Terry and Crawford have won the award recently, and in my opinion, they set the standard for the league's sixth men.

Terry and Crawford are known for the instant offense they provide off the bench. But to be honest, besides scoring, there are really no other areas of their games that stand out.

Crawford and Terry are adequate enough ball-handlers to play both backcourt positions, but both players are also defensive liabilities most times they are on the court.

Terry is averaging 19.7 points per game, while shooting 51 percent from the field and 46 percent from the three point line. But he has also started in five out of the nine games he has played.

Crawford is averaging 13.7 points per game, and shooting 42 percent from the field and 33 percent from the the three-point line.

Brown's numbers are comparable to Terry and Crawford's, but what separates him is his versatility and the potential to be a great individual defender.

Neither Terry nor Crawford are known for their defense. Even though Brown's offensive numbers have been impressive, his greatest impact for the Lakers will be on the defensive end.

Brown's long arms, quickness, range, strength and athleticism are the types of physical gifts that translate well on the defensive end of the floor. Although Brown is not there yet, he's getting pretty close.

Defensive switches still confuse Brown on occasion. He needs to work on fighting through screens as opposed to cheating underneath, and once he improves his defensive posture and slides his feet instead of crossing them, he will be a complete defender.

But, with 70 games left to play in the regular season, Brown has plenty of time to progress. And once the playoffs roll around, he could be one of the more important players on the Lakers roster.

And, Brown's goal of winning the Sixth Man of the Year award is not out of the question.