Recap of Lakers Media Day and what’s to come for your 2022–23 Lakers.
The Lakers started Media Day at 11 PM, and the questions of concern about the Lakers team were fired right off the bat, with most of the first questions surrounding Russell Westbrook and what the plans are around him.
Lakers' new head coach Darvin Ham and GM Rob Palinka opened up Media Day, giving fans the reassurance needed surrounding the team, starting with Russell Westbrook.
Rob Pelinka opened up with praise about Westbrook, saying he and Jeanie Buss, Darvin Ham, and others met with Russ several times this offseason, and they believe he is “all in” this season.
“Our Laker fans deserve one thing: A team that’s going to compete the hardest in the NBA,” Palinka said.
Darvin Ham started off with the change the Lakers will have under his belt, blowing last season's blunder year to the past in what he described as in the rearview mirror.
“This year, we’ve turned the page, we’re looking out the windshield, not the rearview mirror. Super excited to get started,” Ham said.
“Russ has been awesome. Everything that I’ve asked of him, he’s done (throughout the summer). Everything has been about being selfless, being team-oriented, defense.” Ham added.
“We’re still ways away, we got several options. We got to have a defensive mindset. Those are the guys that are going to get minutes. [Russ] told me personally he’s going to commit to that side of the ball.” Ham said, addressing the role has yet to be determined whether Russ will start or come off the bench for L.A.
Westbrook was met by the media and asked right away about his feelings around the numerous rumors of his possible departure, asking if he feels wanted by the Lakers.
“Whether they want me here or not doesn’t really matter. My job is to be a professional and show up to work as I’ve always done.” Westbrook said.
Russ also characterized the offseason conversations he had with LeBron and Anthony Davis, describing it as beneficial, also saying building a relationship with Darvin Ham has been “extremely important to me.”
“Very beneficial. Being able to talk about and understand things we want to do, and how we want to do them.” Westbrook said.
LeBron gave his second-year teammate some encouraging praise on what he can do in the new Darvin Ham system, saying, “It’s going to be a great year for him.” LeBron added that he thinks Russ can succeed in LA, and he’s excited to start training camp with Russ tomorrow.
The team’s priority all offseason has been defense, according to Darvin Ham since his hire, and you sensed that from LeBron at Media Day, saying their priority is: “Defense. Obviously, you gotta be able to put the ball in the hole, but teams that can defend and get stops where needed, they’re simply more successful in our league.” James added.
LeBron’s most important focus in his (personal) game this year is availability. “The focus of my game is to be available. That’s what’s most important.” LeBron said.
“I think every single day it continues to get better and better and better. I think it was well overdue for him (Darvin Ham) to be a head coach. Glad to be a part of his journey, and gonna try to do some special things.” LeBron added, about first time head coach Darvin Ham.
LeBron also spoke on possibly breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record, which he’ll reach later in the season if he maintains his average.
“It’s a pretty historical moment when it gets here, and as long as my family and friends are all there, that’s the most important thing for me,” LeBron said.
Anthony Davis is the biggest asset on this Lakers roster. The Lakers only go as far as Davis takes him, and being on the court is the recipe for success for this Lakers team.
Davis gave the media his goals for the 2022–23 NBA season:
Play all 82 games (if possible).
Be an elite & dominant basketball player.
“Everybody as a collective has to focus on defense, that’s been the biggest focus this summer. How do we get back to championship level basketball? And that’s the defensive end.”
Austin Reaves spoke on how he fits into this Lakers’ roster and their new scheme. “I’m going to adapt to whatever is asked of me.” Adding that it’d be “super cool to start,” and he’s “Here to win games and do whatever I can do to help the team be successful.” Reaves said.
Second-year Laker Kendrick Nunn has been cleared for both contact and non-contact drills, Rob Pelinka said, giving Lakers fans hope to see him in action for the first time after missing all of last season with a bone bruise.
“It’s been a long grind for me, getting back healthy. I’m ready.”
The Lakers new additions, Patrick Beverly, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Lonnie Walker IV, gave their takes and answers on Media Day.
Lonnie Walker IV wasn’t concerned with his off-season ankle injury, saying that he’s “fine,” that he’s already running and cutting and jumping.
Walker IV claimed that while he believes he has the ability to be a fierce defender on the ball, he still has to work on his defensive habits off the ball, adding that he’s not concerned about starting and he’s excited about being a Laker. “I’m just here to play.”
Juan Toscano-Anderson was vocal about his new teammates and his readiness to guard big-name players: “I wanna be able to guard the Paul Georges, the Kawhis, the Klays, the Jimmy Butlers.” Toscano-Anderson said.
“We’re all just kind of learning each other. There’s a lot of new faces. Competing at a high level is square one, you have to bring that competitive edge. That’s what we did this past weekend.” Toscano-Anderson added.
Troy Brown Jr. will have some limitations to begin camp because of his back, as we learned: “It’s getting better. Definitely making a lot of progress. Hopefully getting back soon.”
Damian Jones’ role for this team: “The options are all in the air. Whatever happens, we’ll see. We’re all competing to get our minutes in. We (with Thomas Bryant) can definitely compliment each other.”
Thomas Bryant stated that while everyone wants to start this season, success is more important than starting. He could have to compete with Damian Jones for playing time at center. Bryant emphasized the necessity for him to make 3-pointers, play solid defense, and grab “tremendous rebounds.”
Patrick Beverley spoke on his role for the Lakers, saying: “My role is the same. My role doesn’t change no matter what team I’m on. Impact winning.”
Hearing Patrick Beverly’s energy and competitiveness was quite exciting for this organization. Some will say the Lakers paid a high price to acquire the 34-year-old Beverly, but you can tell his presence, and energetic personality is going to be a huge benefit to this Lakers locker room.
The Lakers will begin training camp starting on Tuesday in preparation for the start of the preseason on October 3rd against the Sacramento Kings at 7:30 PST at Crypto.com Arena.
