<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Some say it is renewed confidence. Others credit increased his playing time. But Kobe Bryant says the cause of center Kwame Brown's steadily increasing effectiveness for the Lakers on the court can be explained by a more basic factor, a factor that goes well beyond basketball: love. "What Kwame needed was a brotherhood," said Bryant after Sunday night's 99-93 Lakers victory over the New Jersey Nets, a victory in which Brown contributed 13 points, nine rebounds, two blocked shots and an intimidating defensive presence. "This is a team that will embrace him, not throw him under the bus. We will always look out for him. We care for him. He was under a lot of pressure in Washington." That pressure goes with the territory if that territory includes being the first high school player ever selected with the first pick in the NBA draft. And if being in the national spotlight wasn't enough, Brown also found himself on a Washington Wizards roster that included Michael Jordan, whose critical stare has been known to melt the resolve of far more seasoned players. Brown struggled for four seasons in Washington, and struggled again last season, his first in Lakers purple and gold. But, after sitting out the first seven games of this season because of a bruised rotator cuff and bursitis in his right shoulder, the 6-11, 270-pounder has grown more and more effective, following up on his impressive play in last year's postseason. That was when it first seemed he might actually grow into the role anticipated for him so long ago. "He's got a big body," said 7-0 New Jersey center Mikki Moore, who faced Brown Sunday night at Staples Center, "and he's worked on his game. Give him credit for that. You can see the improved confidence." Brown acknowledges the regard his teammates have for him with a smile. "The guys are looking for me," he said. "I'm not trying to slow them down. I'm just trying to keep up with them." Said teammate Lamar Odom, "With his size and quickness, Kwame is close to being a special player. How close? "Really close." </div> Link Kwame has really impressed me thus far into the season. After being injured, and losing his starting spot to Andrew Bynum, most expected him to have a negative attitude, and most expected him to start slacking off. Instead, Kwame has only played harder. Need some evidence? Watch last night's game against the Nets. Anyways, I hope Kwame keeps this up. Like Odom said, Kwame is close to being a special player
I'm glad to see Kwame has come back and played well. His defensive presence is going to be very helpful and just having him back is a big thing we needed, due to the fact that we have had depth issues at the PF/C position all season.
Looks like trading Caron for Kwame is paying off. As much as I loved Caron I think Kwame is much more important to the franchise. His defense has been great and he has been putting up nice stats for his limited play. I would not be suprised to see Kwame back in the starting lineup soon.
