Shannon Brown’s Shooting

Since L.A.’s Game 7 victory over Boston, Brown has been in the gym.

“He’s a worker,” said Kobe Bryant, repeating the phrase for emphasis. “Not only is he talented (and) physically gifted, but he puts the work in, which you don’t see a lot of players do. Especially guys that are super athletic like he is, they don’t want to put the work in, but he has and continues to do so.”

Bryant — who has taken Brown under his wing, even calling him his ‘little brother’ — said that Brown’s improvement this year isn’t just about shooting, however. In fact, Bryant revealed that when he worked with or advised Brown over the summer, shooting wasn’t really a point of emphasis.

“Just ball-handling,” Bryant explained. “He’s always been a solid shooter, and he’s really worked on it since he got here, and now he’s even a better shooter than he was last year. But you see him now making plays off the dribble, making plays for others, passing off the dribble. He continues to get better, this is just the beginning for him.”

Brown himself acknowledged that he’s more confident this year, and sounded quite a bit like big brother when describing why.

“It’s just all about going out there, slowing down and taking what the defense gives,” he said. “Not trying to do too much.”

When asked how Bryant influenced him particularly over the summer, Brown shared an anecdote that explained a key point towards understanding the Maywood, Illinois native’s improvements.

“One thing (Kobe) told me at the beginning of this season when we were (at the team’s practice facility) lifting,” said Brown. “I told him, ‘Man I’m ready to get this thing going.’ (Kobe) was just like, ‘Relax.’ The season is going to come quick enough, go out there and just relax, have fun and play basketball and that’s what I’m doing. I value his opinion very much, everything that he’s accomplished individually and as a team, so when he tells me things, I do take heed.