[ad_1]
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The Los Angeles Lakers took the pitch for the first session of the LeBron James era on Tuesday, and the first voice they heard was that of their coach, Luke Walton, rather than that of the quadruple player par excellence and three time champion who signed with the franchise in July.
It may seem obvious that the coach of an NBA team would be the first person to address the group at the beginning of the training camp, but life with James is not always predictable. In 2014, when he embarked on his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it's James, not coach David Blatt, who set the tone from the first day.
But that was not the case on Tuesday.
"It was all Luke today, man," James said. "Luke and the coaching staff had an excellent first practice."
They are already on the chat – LBJ is more than an athlete, but he is still an athlete.
Lakers second-year guard, Lonzo Ball, who "just released" to complete training after surgery on a torn left meniscus, hopes to show an improved jump shot and the ability to finish better in the painting.
With the media days running high in the league and many new faces in new places, what are the best and worst teams on the road to the camp?
2 related
The practice, however, lacked a few things. On the one hand, second-year leader Lonzo Ball did not participate in arthroscopic surgery on the left knee in July.
Beyond that, there was not really 5-on-5 basketball since Walton used the first of two Lakers' day sessions to focus only on the defensive side balloon.
"It was a physical practice, but we also challenged them mentally, to the extent that they were locked up and really helped lay the foundation for the team we want to be," Walton said.
Back Rajon Rondo, who will start at Ball to start the season, urged his coach to let them play. Walton, however, said he would save that for Wednesday.
"We still have not implemented a pick-and-roll type defense, but if you eliminate the players too long, they could revolt against you," Walton said. "Then we'll let them have fun tomorrow."
Delaying gratification was an appropriate tactic on Walton's part, considering how much James and Rondo had talked about the importance of patience after the first practice.
"I have to bring the approach I get from home," said James. "When you have three children, you have to be patient, I do not call these guys, they are young men, and some of these men also have a family, but you learn that you have to be Patient and You You have to evaluate each person in a very different way to get the most out of it.
"Every day will be a better learning tool for me to see how I can make the most of each of these guys."
While James turns to his family for help, Rondo relies on his religion.
"I'm not a patient either, but a few weeks ago I went to church and the focus was on patience, so I'm working on it," he said. Rondo. "It's something I'm still working on." Some people say that's why Magic [Johnson] did not really like coaching, because the guys did not catch up as quickly as he wished, and finished the process. But growing up in this league, 32 years old now, that's part of the game. "
The part of the game that nobody has a habit of seeing is JaVale McGee – who is 1-in-15 on 3-points in her 10-year career – is out-going, but that's surely how Tuesday's tries came to an end. McGee's team – including Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Michael Beasley – defeated James' team – including Brandon Ingram, Lance Stephenson and Kyle Kuzma – in a three-point shooting competition.
While James was losing stride, gathering the group for his last rally and leading them into a "1-2-3 together"! to sing after, he showed less, well, patience with a journalist wondering how he intended to earn the respect of L.A.
"Who me?" James questioned in return. "Me?"
The reporter then reiterated the matter, forcing James to reiterate his confusion with the premise.
"Hein? I have signed a four-year contract," said James. "How much more … what do you want me to do? Listen, I've signed a four-year contract, I'm here, so I know what I bring to the table on the floor. "
Source link
