Lakers Re-Sign Shannon Brown; Knicks Miss Out

The New York Knicks were unable to lure Shannon Brown from L.A., as the four-year veteran re-signed with the Lakers for two years and $4.6 million. SB Nation Los Angeles has more on the story.

As my colleague Ed Valentine pointed out yesterday, Brown was leaning heavily toward returning to the Lakers despite the Knicks’ offer of more money and more playing time. However, the second year of Brown's deal is a player option, so there's a chance he could hit the free-agent market again next summer. If the Knicks still like him, they can once again try to sign him at that time.

Guard Wants To Try For 'Three-Peat'

Free-agent guard Shannon Brown apparently values the opportunity to win a third championship with the Los Angeles Lakers more than the added playing time he could get with the New York Knicks.

Brown’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told the New York Post that Brown was “leaning” toward staying with the Lakers.

“The Knicks did a great job selling Shannon on everything and their vision for him,‘’ Bartelstein said. "They did a great job but the chance to go back and win a third championship for the Lakers is a tough thing to pass up. He’ll make a final decision (Thursday).’’

Hard to argue with Brown’s decision, especially since the Knicks apparently only offered him a one-year deal.

New York Knicks Make Offer To Shannon Brown

From Ken Berger of CBS Sports comes the news that the New York Knicks have made an offer to free-agent guard Shannon Brown.

Brown, 24, played all 82 games for the champion Lakers last season and is weighing whether to join Ray Felton in the Knicks' revamped backcourt or give the Lakers time to clear the room needed to re-sign him. The Lakers, as usual, are well into the luxury tax. So moving Vujacic's $5.4 million salary for next season would ease the tax hit associated with keeping Brown.

Brown's electrifying transition game would be a huge asset in coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo system, and Brown would have a good chance of winning a starting job after starting only seven games for the Lakers last season.