Short Laker Careers Over, They’re Off to Be Wizards

Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins, Lakers for one disjointed season before being shipped out in the Kwame Brown trade, were introduced Thursday as members of the Washington Wizards.

Butler, 25, was one of the Lakers’ most consistent players toward the end of last season, averaging 21.9 points over the last 15 games, but the Lakers parted with him to take a chance on Brown.

Now on his third team in as many seasons, Butler said he had hoped to settle down with the Lakers after being acquired last summer in the Shaquille O’Neal trade.

“I really thought that was going to happen in Los Angeles,” Butler told reporters. “I enjoyed it there, but I understand that this is a business and trades happen. I am getting married this month so it is important for me to have some stability. I love D.C. I’m excited to be here.”

Butler is expected to start at small forward or shooting guard. Atkins, 30, averaged a career-best 13.6 points last season for the Lakers, but the return of Phil Jackson and the emphasis on the triangle offense signaled the end of 5-foot-11 guards who struggle defensively.

Atkins’ defense was notably poor down the stretch, and he did not endear himself to the organization by derisively referring to Kobe Bryant as the team’s general manager last March.

“The hardest part was the losing,” Atkins said of last season. “Expectations are so high there. Last season was rough for everybody. I’m happy to be here with an up-and-coming team. You can really feel that this city wants a winner.”

Atkins, who started all 82 games for the Lakers, will have to fight for minutes in a backcourt that includes All-Star Gilbert Arenas and free-agent signee Antonio Daniels.