How a meaningless preseason game can mean a whole lot to a local rookie making his first start in the purple and gold.
LOS ANGELES -- Almost every kid growing up in Southern California dreams about it. Driving down Figueroa to get to Staples Center and finding a purple and gold jersey with your name on the back, walking out of the darkness into the showtime lights as Lawrence Tanter's booming voice lets the entire crowd know your name, all before Kobe Bryant daps you up at halfcourt. That dream came true on Sunday night when rookie small forward and Southern California native Anthony Brown started for the Los Angeles Lakers in their first game at Staples Center this season.