For the first time in two years, all 30 NBA teams hosted media day. Here is what was learned from the Lakers media day:
Russell Westbrook
After an offseason full of trade speculation, it may come as a surprise to see Russell Westbrook still donning the purple and gold. All eyes and questions seemed to be on Westbrook during media day. When asked by ESPN if he felt wanted by his team, he simply stated, “I don’t need to, I just need to do my job…”
During the offseason, the Lakers signed and traded many new additions, including Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schroder. Both veterans are guards just like Westbrook. These signings mixed with a disappointing previous season, means that Westbrook is not guaranteed to be a starter come opening night.
When new head coach Darvin Ham was asked about starting lineups, he remained vague. Adding that a lot of decisions still need to be made in regard to lineups and rotations.
Injury Update
Last season, multiple injuries caused the Lakers a lot of problems. One of the biggest hits came from the news that newcomer Kendrick Nunn would miss the entire season. He suffered a bone bruise during preseason, which was slow to heal.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka announced that Nunn is ready for full-contact play during training camp.
Pelinka also announced that Troy Brown Jr. and Lonnie Walker IV will both start training with non-contact play. Brown is dealing with a lingering back injury. He will not be ready for full-contact practice for quite some time. Walker has a lingering ankle issue, but will be ready to practice sooner than Brown.
Both Brown and Walker signed one-year veteran contracts with the Lakers this offseason.
Dennis Schroder
One notable face missing from media day was Dennis Schroder. Schroder, who re-signed with the Lakers just a few weeks ago, is having issues with his visa. The German-born player is set to rejoin the team soon, according to Pelinka.
This is not the first time that Schroder has had problems with his visa. In 2017, he was suspended by his then-team the Atlanta Hawks without pay for one game. He missed two practices due to visa issues. He returned home to Germany during the All-Star break. Upon reentry, he learned that he needed a new visa. It took nearly a week for him to be able to come back to the U.S.
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