The Los Angeles Lakers will ring in a new era with a brand new practice facility that should be a selling point to free agents.
The Lakers’ fancy new UCLA Training Center in El Segundo is almost ready and it will mean a lot going into this summer as Magic Johnson, Luke Walton and Rob Pelinka try and improve the team for next season.
Starting to look like home. #TeamUCLALakers pic.twitter.com/NDqz2VE5KZ
— UCLA Health TC (@UCLAHealthTC) April 3, 2017
Hopefully, it will help attract talent from all over the world to want to play for the Lakers organization.
The facility will be two practice courts, which both the Los Angeles and the South Bay Lakers (formerly the D-Fenders), will take advantage of. With two courts, the coaching staff will be able to work individually with the young guys and help them develop. After all, four baskets are better than two.
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We first brought you the news back in 2016, including a simulated video tour of the new Jewel of the NBA. Clad in Lakers Purple and Gold with sheik black interiors, the place will radiate with Laker’s excellence. The Lake Show should be able to woo any NBA Player or draftee with just the interior decorating alone.
Magic hinted strongly on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Friday night that he is going to target Indiana Pacers star Paul George next summer when he is a free agent, and hopefully, that is only the beginning. Can you visualize how free agent visits will go?
*pulls up from 30*
— Grant Goldberg (@GrantGoldberg) April 21, 2017
PAUL GEORGE. FUTURE LAKER. pic.twitter.com/KyW7KF2fjQ
The limo pulls up to the gleaming Lakers Facility just minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport. The very successful former agent Rob Pelinka, Lakers legend hall of farmer Magic Johnson, the bold and brave Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and every player’s favorite coach Luke Walton greet him at the door.
Will there be a purple carpet instead of red one? We will see, but each meeting could start out with a tour of the facility including a showing of all the trophies and photos of past greats.
Next on the tour, sit back and enjoy the relaxation room for a bit, complete with pool tables. Point out the custom refrigerators for the team, the classy video room, and brand new weight room, and then sit him down in the open atrium to relax in the SoCal sun and discuss the future Lakers.
Related Story: Find out more on the Lakers' practice facility
Ahhh … who wouldn’t want to be spending their time working in that location a mile from the beach?
The Lakers team, coaches, and management will enjoy the new facility, but the folks getting the biggest upgrade are the Lakers D-League team, the South Bay Lakers.
The Practice Court will be able to morph into the LA D-League teams home court for their actual games. It will be the envy of every other D-League team.
Retractable seats installation is underway. #TeamUCLALakers pic.twitter.com/1d35xDOjDm
— UCLA Health TC (@UCLAHealthTC) March 6, 2017
Looks good from here. #TeamUCLALakers pic.twitter.com/W4c5dAFbcr
— UCLA Health TC (@UCLAHealthTC) April 1, 2017
Custom-made refrigerator for the squad. #TeamUCLALakers pic.twitter.com/pUbYKFSJGV
— UCLA Health TC (@UCLAHealthTC) April 14, 2017
The South Bay Lakers will undoubtedly have the BEST and most intimate venue of any D-League team making them a coveted team to try out for over the summer. Having the best and most experienced overseas players is a great advantage because it will be a nice benefit for players interested in coming to LA to play.
Must Read: More on Coach Luke Walton from the LSL...
Maybe it won’t help the Lakers get free agents, but it sure as hell won’t hurt.