"Shannon Brown spent part of his first two seasons in the D-League and was on his fourth team in three seasons in 2009 when his career hit a turnaround that set up this important offseason.

After posting career-high scoring averages as Kobe Bryant's backup on a loaded Lakers team for the past two seasons, Brown's choice to sign with the Suns on Friday was not made lightly.

The one-year, $3.5 million contract that the shooting guard will sign is an indication in duration that he expects to break out this season with more opportunity. The money shows he correctly gauged his increasing value after declining a $2.4 million option to stay with the Lakers.

Instead, Brown will duel his former Charlotte Bobcats teammate, Jared Dudley, for the Suns' starting off-guard job this season.

"It's a critical part of his career," Brown's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said. "He's in a transition stage to become a better player in the league. We think Shannon is really ready to emerge as a player. It's a great environment in Phoenix with a chance to win.

"They have a great medical staff who keeps you healthy. There's a point guard (Steve Nash) who gets the ball to players. It's fun to play with someone who gets you the ball when you're open. And Alvin Gentry is a terrific coach who is disciplined and lets you play.""