Bryon Russell signs with L.A. Lightning
Bryon Russell, an outstanding defender who spent 12 years in the NBA, has signed with the Los Angeles Lightning. The Lightning is a second-year pro franchise that competes in the high-scoring International Basketball League.
L.A. already has four ex-NBA players on its roster -- Lamond Murray, who led the league in rebounding last year; ex-UCLA star Toby Bailey; IBL 3-point record holder Fred Vinson and 7-foot-3 Keith Closs. The season-opening weekend is May 2-3 against the Edmonton Energy at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.
"It's going to be fantastic to have Bryon on the team, along with Lamond and the rest of the NBA guys," said Lightning owner Mark Harwell. "We're trying to create our own 'Dream Team.' "
Russell, a 6-7 forward who played at Long Beach State, was the 45th pick in the 1993 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. He spent nine years with the Jazz and also played for the Lakers, Washington and Denver. He appeared in three NBA Finals (two with Utah, one with the Lakers in 2004). His best season with the Jazz was 1999-2000 when he averged 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds. He had NBA career highs of 25 points and 15 rebounds.
Russell played his last NBA game in 2005-06 with the Denver Nuggets.
