Ex-Laker Shannon Brown returns to L.A.

Brown makes his first trip back to L.A. Tuesday when the Suns play the Lakers, Brown's former team. He signed with the Suns as a free agent when the lockout was lifted.

"It's the first place I went to where I really got a chance to play," he said of his two-plus season with the Lakers. "I really got a chance to showcase my abilities and I'm very thankful and grateful for that."

Brown played in all 82 games in each of his two full seasons in L.A., including the club's 2009-2010 NBA championship season when he averaged a career-high 21 minutes per game.

"I got a chance to play for one of the greatest coaches (Phil Jackson) to ever do it and then play with one of the greatest players (Kobe Bryant) to ever do it."

But more than what Brown was able to do on the court---he averaged a career-high 8.7 points last season, is what he was able to do off the court: mature.

"I learned a lot about myself," he said before the team left for L.A. "I grew up a lot. It was just a great experience for me."

So far this season Brown is struggling with his shot, just 33% from the field, which is a career-low. He has, however, posted back-to-back 14-point performances in the last two games, both Suns wins.

Phoenix is his fifth team in his sixth NBA season.

"My teammates and coaches, GM, owners, everybody has done a great job of welcoming me and making me feel comfortable."