LAS VEGAS >> The nearly three-hour drive left Tarik Black with plenty of time both to count his blessings and future riches. Unlike the countless tourists that trek from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Black did not need to spend that time envisioning a hefty pay-day at the casino.

Black already took care of that by agreeing to a two-year, $13 million deal last week with the Lakers. The third-year NBA forward then joined the countless Lakers fans that drove to Sin City to watch the Lakers’ summer league team on Monday against Golden State at the Thomas & Mack Center.

As much as he waxed nostalgia about being part of the Lakers’ young role, however, Black maintained a stronger influence convinced him to etch his future with a purple and gold pen. Black spoke with Lakers coach Luke Walton to “solidify” an issue that would determine his future.

“‘I don’t ask to be given anything. I just ask for a fair shot,’” Black recalled of the conversation. “‘If I earn something, give it to me.’”

Black cemented “a relationship that had already been good” with Walton, who had been an assistant coach with the University of Memphis when Black played for the Tigers during the 2011 NBA lockout. Since then, Black said “we always kept in touch.”

So when he brought up his concerns, Black said that Walton told him: “‘I respect that, appreciate that and will honor that.’”

Black then agreed to the deal, which includes a team option on his second season.

Black hardly had the same relationship with Lakers coach Byron Scott. Black averaged 3.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 12.7 minutes through 39 appearances, something Scott attributed toward his belief that Black lacked consistent hustle. Plenty both inside and outside Lakers believed otherwise.

“You can look at the negatives. You can look at the positives. I choose to look at the positives from every situation,” Black said about his diminished role last season. “The positives of that was it built my character.”

Black then expressed gratitude for a number of things. The undrafted rookie still wore a Lakers uniform. He was one of Kobe Bryant’s teammates during his 20th and final NBA season. And Black played in varying roles at power forward and center during his rare appearances.

“It taught me so much and prepared me to be the player I’m going to be moving forward,” Black said. “I definitely learned patience and perseverance. It’s tough mentally to still work hard in all situations. Throughout the season, I continued to work and always stayed competitive when I got on the floor.”

Black could still face some hurdles. He represents part of a loaded frontcourt that includes Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr. and Luol Deng. Though Black is listed at 6-foot-9 at 250 pounds, he expressed confidence he could provide minutes at a center spot currently populated by Timofey Mozgov and rookie Ivica Zubac.

A frustrating season, however, left Black feeling more confident about his skills. An extended conversation with Walton left Black feeling more inspired about his role.

“I see a world of potential for myself,” Black said. “I can’t wait to get back in the gym and get back to work. It’s going to be a whole lot of fun.”

Black made the three-hour drive back to Los Angeles on Tuesday, leaving the Lakers’ forward excited about the road ahead.

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Second-year forward Anthony Brown conveyed his confidence in a matter-of-fact tone.

“I’m the best defender on the team, obviously,” Brown said.

As for his offense? Anthony felt “stuck in mud” the first two summer league games after not playing since an injury to his right foot that kept him sidelined since March. Brown has averaged 6 points on a 38.9 percent clip through three summer league games.

“Defensively, I’m feeling pretty good,” Brown said. “Offensively, I’m still getting used to being in a reactive state, moving and shifting guys.”