With big expectations for the upcoming season, several players on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster have already been putting in work.
The Los Angeles Lakers have some new players and some players returning for the upcoming season. Although training camp hasn’t even begun, some of these guys have already been training in different ways.
Everyone has seen LeBron James working out this summer. He posts videos of his workouts online and has clearly been working hard to ensure a better season than last. He has also organized a way for all the teammates to train together, according to the LA Times.
This will allow them to start to gel and learn each other’s games in preparation for training camp, the preseason, and the 82 game NBA season. What stands out is that each Lakers player will be paying his own way to attend this camp.
They aren’t required to attend, and the fact that they’re all going shows dedication. According to the LA Times, the Lakers players went to Las Vegas for 2 1/2 hour training sessions from September 22-26. They will each paid themselves for the trip, staying at the Wynn and having team dinners after sessions.
In addition to the training planned by LeBron, a few Lakers players have hit Kobe Bryant‘s “Mamba Sports Academy” for some training together, according to Heavy.com.
According to Heavy.com, JaVale McGee, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Quinn Cook were spotted at Kobe’s training facility. A video surfaced of the three teammates running up the sand dune there. Kobe is known as one of the hardest workers in NBA history, so it’s good to know some current Lakers are hitting up his sports academy.
Another Lakers player is getting some very valuable basketball experience this offseason. Kyle Kuzma participated in USA Basketball, coached by Gregg Popovich.
Kuzma said “Pop” is his favorite coach ever, as reported by SilverScreenandRoll.com, and he stands to learn a lot from the coaching legend. Pop has coached the San Antonio Spurs for decades, and they’re seemingly in the playoffs every single year. From David Robinson to Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and even Kawhi Leonard, the veteran coach has helped produce many very good players.
In addition to Popovich, Kuzma played alongside many NBA stars for Team USA. Although the team is less star-studded than usual, there are still quite a few very good players on the roster. Kuzma has already shown off a new, higher release for his jump shot. Hopefully, he picks up a lot more skill and knowledge during the offseason.
The new Los Angeles Lakers are primed to finally return to the playoffs after a six-year drought. They are also among the favorites to win the championship this year. The Lakers haven’t won it all since Kobe Bryant’s Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2010 Finals. The players seem aware of the expectations, and willing to put the work in.
It is encouraging to see both returning players and new guys working out together in different ways before training camp even begins. Going to camps organized by legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James will certainly be beneficial, as will playing for team USA in Kuzma’s case.
What do you guys think? Are you encouraged by the teammates working out together already? Are you excited for this coming season? Let us know in the comments below!