EL SEGUNDO, CA — Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown has opted out of his contract, becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Brown could still end up playing for the Lakers in the 2011-12 season.

He has averaged 7.9 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists since being acquired by the Lakers from Charlotte in February 2009. He was part of two NBA title teams with them.

Brown averaged a career-high 8.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists last season.