Veteran influence

Lakerpark · Star Player Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 2117

I was just wondering...

People often say that these younger players like Wes Johnson, Beasley, Kendall Marshall, Xavier, etc....would shape up and/or learn from Kobe, Nash, Gasol, etc...

Was Kobe's influence on Wes Johnson apparent last season? How about Nash for Kendal Marshall?

If Kobe wasn't able to knock some sense into Wes last season, why would we expect any difference this season? Or maybe it just takes time?

Hector the Pup · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 9:04 am Post subject:

It's hard to do that in a suit.

yinoma2001 · Retired Number Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 119487

22 · Franchise Player Joined: 05 Apr 2013 Posts: 17063

yeah OP. Like others have said, neither Kobe oe Nash was around much to do much mentoring last season

Reflexx · Franchise Player Joined: 25 Jun 2005 Posts: 11163

Also, veteran influence doesn't necessarily translate to immediate noticeable improvement. It's more about a change of mindset that will help in the long run.

Lakerpark · Star Player Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 2117

Why isn't it part of their job description? Why couldn't they be present at games and practices? They are getting paid, shouldn't they contribute in some way to make the team better?

ringfinger · Retired Number Joined: 08 Oct 2013 Posts: 29418

You can't get blood from a stone.

Lakerpark · Star Player Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 2117

Then why does everyone here expect Kobe to shape up guys like Beasley and Wes Johnson?

Lakerpark · Star Player Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 2117

Or is it more like a learn by osmosis? Learn by watching and practicing against them?

venturalakersfan · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 10:09 am Post subject:

Watching, emulating, the right kind of verbal motivation. That is what the veterans can offer.
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Wilkes52 · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 10:12 am Post subject:

Kobe seems more of a lead-by-example guy, and less of a direct mentor style guy.

Wes, X and Nick may be rather too close already to being fully-formed as NBA players to see Kobe as a mentor as well. They are each still trying to win a great contract for themselves while in competition with Kobe for PT. Doesn't make for a promising teaching relationship with a loner like Kobe.

I can't shake the feeling that Kobe's focus is far less on mentoring others this season than on returning himself and his game to the nearest forms possible to that of his earlier career glories.

greenfrog · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 11:15 am Post subject:

Kobe has stated himself that he's probably not a good teammate. Maybe Nash can impart some wisdom on Lin and Clarkson, but I'm not sure they're exactly the future we're banking on.

ElginBaylor · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 11:18 am Post subject:

Totally different dynamic when you're mentor's on the court expecting you to step up help them win a game, than having them on the sidelines in a suit.
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TheElectronica · Star Player Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Posts: 1392

If you watch Opencourt a lot of those guys credit their success to having veteran teammates who teach them how to act as professionals which is a huge thing in the league.

Say what you want about the Lakers, but a lot of their young talent do better here than else where. It isn't a mistake or a fluke when Clark, Hill, Brown, Ariza, and countless others turn their career around here. LA finds quality guys and surrounds them with leaders.

It's why the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets suddenly looked like they were a quality team and their young players developed more with Big Al. I'm sure you'll notice improved development in Waiters/Kyrie this year also. Meanwhile you have guys who lack veteran leadership wallow in mediocrity like Jennings. But then you see Monta succeed with Dirk and a championship atmosphere. A team's environment is huge for development of players. Having strong leaders who look out for younger kids makes it much easier for these kids to just focus on basketball and not struggle.