Lakers assign Tarik Black, Ryan Kelly, and Anthony Brown to D-Fenders

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Sunday that the team was assigning Anthony Brown, Ryan Kelly, and Tarik Black to the Los Angeles D-Fenders. The little used reserves will get a chance to get more minutes and opportunities with this assignment, and will play in the D-Fenders Sunday night game against the Austin Spurs.

As the Lakers' D-League affiliate, the D-Fenders will offer an opportunity for the Lakers' front office to get a close look at the progress of these three young players who can't seem to find consistent minutes or a role with the parent team. Anthony Brown was assigned to the D-Fenders in November, and averaged 16.6 points per game on a 55.9 true-shooting percentage in a five game stint that left our own Ben Rosales impressed with the rookie wing. Neither Black nor Kelly have played with the D-Fenders this season, but both played one game for the squad last year.

With Black (11.4 minutes per game), Kelly (12.7), and Brown (3.5) all unable to get consistent burn with the Lakers, it makes sense to get them some time on the court with the D-Fenders, even if it is against competition not quite at the NBA level. You can watch the game on YouTube or locally on Time Warner Cable Sportsnet.

All stats per NBA.com or nbadleague.com