September 28, 2015; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace speaks to press during media day at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Noticeable Maturity
Last week, the Lakers inked Metta World Peace to a one-year deal but during media day it was apparent that he was not the same player that was amnestied over a season ago.
Throughout his interview, World Peace was noticeably more mature and serious with his answers. In a professional manner, he told interviewers that he was excited to help the young guys grow and develop but would be ready whenever the coaches called.
When asked about his desires for the season he touched on how he wants to “cultivate a winning mindset,” and for the Lakers to “run intelligently,” on account of their newly gained youth.
Swaggy P is up next on set. #LakersMediaDay pic.twitter.com/UKacutGHjE
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 28, 2015
Another player that demonstrated his growth and maturity was Nick Young.
Instead of cracking jokes and laughing incessantly, “Swaggy P” revealed that this year he doesn’t want, “to come in here and be that loud person,” rather he, “just wants to play this year,” and “be more hungry.”
Even interviewer Worthy took note of Young’s changed demeanor and eventually asked what Young’s motivation this season was to which he replied that he was ready to prove himself and to quiet his naysayers.
There’s lots of highs and lows . . . but the lows aren’t as low as they seem and the highs aren’t as high as they seem – Julius Randle
The last player that showed significant growth since last season’s media day was Randle.
After suffering a season-ending injury, Randle could have gotten down on himself, instead he used his time wisely, watching tape, and worked on the things he could control.
The quote that stood out the most was when Randle revealed that his veterans helped him realize that, “there’s lots of highs and lows . . . but the lows aren’t as low as they seem and the highs aren’t as high as they seem.”
From this quote alone, it seems that Phil Jackson‘s “Zen Master” teachings have already begun to permeate Randle by means of Bryant.
Next: Commitment to Defense