Jackson Contacts Jordan About Kwame Brown

PE

HONOLULU - When the Lakers acquired Kwame Brown, Coach Phil Jackson did some research.

Jackson called Michael Jordan, his friend and former star with the Bulls, to get an assessment on the enigmatic Brown. In 2001, Jordan, then president of the Washington Wizards, used the No. 1 overall pick to draft Brown out of high school. Jordan played two seasons with Brown.

"Michael said the situation was really a difficult situation for him (Brown) in Washington," Jackson said Saturday. "And that he demanded a lot of him at a young age. He assessed Kwame's talent quite fairly."

Like many in the NBA, Jackson heard that Brown had underachieved, wasn't accountable for his actions and was a gifted physical specimen who didn't work hard.

Brown's four years with the Wizards were tumultuous, culminating with his being suspended for Washington's final seven playoff games last season for missing practice.

Then, before training camp began at the University of Hawaii, Brown told the Washington Post that he didn't miss practice during the playoffs because he was sick, as had been reported, but because he was so upset with teammate Gilbert Arenas that he wanted to slap him.

Not surprisingly, Brown has not been happy when the subject of Washington comes up.

"I mean, two, three days into camp, I just wish the Washington questions would stop," said Brown, acquired for Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins in the offseason.

"If anyone has been divorced before, it's like you keep hearing about an ex-wife or something. I just want that to be over. I know Washington is not thinking about me. I'm not thinking about Washington. I've got enough to worry about here in LA."

Brown is trying to soak up what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Scottie Pippen are teaching him in training camp. The Lakers love his 6-foot-11, 260-pound body, his athleticism and his willingness to learn.

"I've got so much going on," Brown said. "One of the greatest players to ever play the game, Kareem, is in my ear. I've got Scottie in my ear trying to help me along the way. Thinking about Washington is not going to help me."

Brown and the Lakers face Washington in a pair of exhibitions, Oct. 18 in Bakersfield and Oct. 21 at Staples Center.

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It sounds like he is really dedicated to learning and improving his game for the Lakers, and wants to put Washington behind him. I really wish the media would let him do that.