The Los Angeles Times have reported that Free-Agent guard Shannon Brown will resign with the Lakers, who he was won back to back titles with. Brown received a tempting offer from the New York Knicks and more money from other teams this summer but choosing the Lakers $4.6 million offer and a chance to three-peat this year Shannon showed that money isnt everything compared to the love and desire to win. The Lakers who are getting even tougher this offseason (We see you Barnes, Ratliff and Blake) will benefit tremendously from Shannon's solid play. Brown will also act as a spark plug off the bench for the Lake show. His emphatic dunks and energy plays will put life back into his team during lulls in games and more importantly Shannons electricity will charge the usual quiet Staples Centre crowd and give them some gusto. It's 'Showtime' again for the Lakers and Shannon.
In other free-agent news former Washington and Cleveland swing man Larry Hughes is being courted by both the Boston Celtics and the Charlotte Bobcats. Since his days in Philadelphia and Golden State this journeyman talent was always predicted to be a star in this league. Although he may not have maintained his full 'star' potential throughout his career (mainly due to injury) Larry had proved a invaluable commodity for a team and a real, decent scorer. The versatility Hughes adopts means he would be a great addition for either of these two, different sides.
If he joined the other big names who seem to be flocking to Beantown he would help give the Celtics one of the deepest and best looking on paper benches in the L. He would supplement Ray Allen or Paul Pierce perfectly and as these veterans take a rest Boston could put Hughes out for extended periods of time without giving up too much on the points board. If Larry signed with the Bobcats then this former raw talent would provide a strong, veteran presence for these young 'cats. Hughes is a veteran of this league now but he still knows how to play a young man's game. He belongs to this 'new' generation of players in this league, which came around the late nighties. The generation of guards who play like forwards and score. His experience and mentoring would be of immeasurable benefit to Charlotte's young guards and forwards.
'Grandmama' wants to come out of retirement. Former Charlotte Hornets and Knick Larry Johnson is interested in taking up an assistant coaching gig. LJ who was a number one draft pick and retired in 2001 has been talking to the Chicago Bulls. Larry has history with Tom Thibodeau, the new Bulls coach. During Johnson's time with the Knicks Thibodeau was part of Jeff Van Gundy's coaching staff. Larry faces competition from another NBA legend, Terry Porter, who used to coach the Phoenix Suns. Whatever happens it sure would be good to see both those guys back in the NBA. Any real fan will never forget Larry Johnson's fourth quarter heroics at Madison Square Garden, throwing up the infamous 'LJ' sign. Don't disrespect your elders now.
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