Ex-Lakers player pleads guilty to 2011 murder

ATLANTA — Former National Basketball Association player Javaris Crittenton pleaded guilty on Wednesday in the 2011 shooting death of an Atlanta woman and was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

Crittenton, 27, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a weapon and aggravated assault with a firearm. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the murder charge he had faced.

The former point guard, who played two seasons in the NBA after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007, also received 17 years of probation as part of his sentence.

Opening statements had been expected on Wednesday in the murder case against Crittenton and his cousin, Douglas Gamble, who were accused of gunning down Julian Jones, 22, a mother of four, in a drive-by shooting in August 2011.

Gamble, who authorities said drove the car while Crittenton fired the gun, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to three years in prison and 17 years of probation.

Prosecutors have said the shooting was gang-related and retaliation against a person Crittenton believed had robbed him.

Crittenton cried during the court hearing and called the shooting a mistake.

Crittenton was a member of the Lakers, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards, playing in 113 games and averaging 5.3 points.