Lakers Practice Recap and Pics

[safari_in_cali]

I went to the Lakers shoot-around this morning. The event was for the season ticket holders who purchased their tickets with the American Express card.

Here is a recap

- There were about 300 people in attendance
- Stu was moderating
- Mitch Kupchak gave the State of the Lakers address. He said that the team is about where they expected it to be at the beginning of the season. They are the second youngest team in the NBA and they lost many close games that they should have won; mainly due to inexperience. The goal before the season was to win 45-48 games and they still have a chance to win 45 games if they sweep the 5 remaining home games.
- They are happy with the way Lamar has been playing since the all star break. Kwame is also developing nicely. Andrew Bynum had a typical rookie season, showing some flashes of what he is capable of doing (Miami and New York games). There were hoping he would get more playing time after Chris Mihm went down, but unfortunately Andrew sprained his ankle during a practice. He practiced with the team today and he may play against the Clippers tonight. They are also expecting Chris Mihm to be back before the playoffs start.
- The goal is to make the playoffs this year. Someone asked Bill Bertka if the Lakers can pull off the first round upset, and he said, "absolutely". He gave NCAA as an example, no one expected George Mason to be in the final four.
- Bill Bertka loves Lamar Odom. He is the most versatile NBA player who can play all 5 positions on the court. He talked about how great it would have been to have Odom playing with the showtime Lakers with Magic, Worthy, Kareem and Cooper. He said they would have been unstoppable. Stu laughed and said, "dreams, dreams, dreams..."
- Mitch said in the offseason the Lakers will try to add an impact veteran player who can play PG, SG and maybe some SF. He said they've been pleased with Smush, but they are looking to add a veteran starter. He didn't say what the plan was to aquire that player, but mentioned free agent signing as a possibility. They are happy with the depth at the center position with Kwame, Mihm and Bynum. Didn't say anything about the PF position.
- Bill Bertka gave a scouting report on the Clippers. He said he worked with Mike Dunleavy when he was with the Lakers in early 90s, and his style of coaching is exploting mismatches. Also Dunleavy likes to milk the hot hand. The player who makes a shot, will most likely get the ball on the next posession, and the next, until he goes cold and they switch to someone else. He said the Clippers are one of the best rebounding teams in the league. Their field goal percentage is also one of the best in the NBA. Cassell and Mobley may come off the bench, and those guys are 2 of the Cippers 3 primary scorers. That could create big mismatches for the Lakers when they are matched up against the Lakers bench.
- Mitch was asked about Kobe and his MVP status. He said Kobe's had a great year and he definitely deserves consideration. Stu added that even though a lot of people are saying that the MVP should be selected from one of the top teams, there have been several instances where that wasn't the case. For example, the first MVP award in 1955-56 was given to Bob Pettit and his team had 7th record, while the NBA only had 8 teams at that time.
- There was a raffle with prizes including various Lakers merchandise, autographed jerseys, caps and a ball autographed by the entire team.
- Every person in attendance got a free Lakers bag.

That's pretty much all I can remember. Others please feel free to add.

Here are some pics that I took at the event.

Pic 1
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Pic 31

[Zhengi]

Thanks for the recap, safari.
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I'm like a Hadouken, down-right Fierce!

[gsrbruin]

thanks

[gsrbruin]

Just curious who was kareem working with primarily?

[AirKobe8]

nice, thx.
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www.lakersbrasil.com
Fan site made by me and others, dedicated to posting Laker news and articles in portuguese.

[THE_SHOES]

Wow! Brilliant coverage! Thank you Safari!
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"According to ESPN.com's conference projections, the Lakers will finish 12th in the West, which prompted Bryant to tweet earlier this offseason, "12th I see.."

[PopcornMachine]

Thanks very much for the photos.

Nice to see Kareem out on the court again.
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I'm with COCO!

[Kobe2Clark]

I notice there's 5 guys wearing purple while everyone else is in yellow. Coincidence or will Luke be starting over Cook? (I hope so)...
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"My thirst for domination is fed only by the game. I refuse to get distracted by outside forces." - Kobe Bryant

[angrypuppy]

[lakeshow03]

thanks

[he_is_the_one]

Thanks Safari!!!
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That was Noiceeeee

[Chrome Hearts]

Thanks for the recap. Mitch looks happy like his usual self.
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RIP mamba

[Chrome Hearts]

Thanks for the recap. Mitch looks happy like his usual self.
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RIP mamba

[he_is_the_one]

[DancingBarry]

[angrypuppy]

^

It would have to be free agency. Too late for the season, and previous attempts were stymied by the 1/2 MLE bet on McKie.

He could fit neatly within 2008 plans, as he'll be 36 before next season. I doubt another team will offer him a 3+ year guaranteed contract with MLE money.

[shnjb]

[LakersSpirit]

Thanks, for the pix...

This doesn't look like what I imagine a Pat Riley practice would look like...

I would rather see them playing full-court, with perspiration flowing down their faces... Overall, it looks too relaxed, but, I suppose, there's a place for the relaxed feel.

I also wonder if they have been working on their defense??

I kept wondering who the guy in the yellow cap was... I'm glad to see Kareem taking such an active role, as a coach. Kareem needs to get more involved with the players, and become accepted.
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"Teamwork is a nebulous thing. It is as ephemeral as love, disappearing at the latest insult.".... Phil Jackson

[DancingBarry]

Only other player that might be close could be Fred Jones, but I wouldn't describe him as particularly veteran or impact.

[mrdectown]

Picture 14:


JJ: Do these sweats make my ass look big?
LO: Man, I dont know......let me see
Wafer: Me likey bouncy ball
DG: Ok let me get this str8, insted of finding kobe you just shot the ball from here?

Sasha: If and when i get kicked out the leauge, i want this seat

Hamblen: Iwonder How long before they figure out i still work here? Man i need a cigarette
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I guess i'm not a business suit wearin guy like you,I'm a gangsta i suppose. Avon Barksdale

[angrypuppy]

[he_is_the_one]

[KobeBuzzerBeater]

The pics of all the players together make it obvious that the Lakers have nobody and Kobe Bryant.

And we're in the Playoffs, in the Western Conference?

Wow.

Can you say M-V-P?

[Colby Briant]

WOw. thanks for the pics. those are great.

who is that in Pic 17? looks like craig hodges. is he working with the lakers as an assistant?

[Christopher C]