Training camp for the Los Angeles Lakers has officially started, and its safe to say that fans can't wait to see the new look team take the floor. Although the Lakers haven't been given much of a chance to do anything, let alone make the playoffs, coach Byron Scott is soaking up the opportunity to shock the league. Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are still mysteries with their current playing abilities falling under frequent question.
"I love the fact that pretty much everybody has written us off, and I think that's fuel for the fire," Scott said at Monday's Media Day. "I'm obviously going to use that to the best of my abilities to talk to our players about how people are viewing us as a basketball team."
A great deal of fire will be needed if the Lakers are to be competitive in the heavily weighted Western Conference. For starters, they need to prove once again that they are the best team in Los Angeles. While it may be premature, a Clippers versus Lakers playoff series would be one of the most memorable series in NBA history.
Kobe Bryant also spoke to the media about his current state and where he sees himself ending up when the season begins. "I haven't played for quite a while, and the size of the challenge ahead of me is really forcing me to focus in a lot more than I ever have," Bryant said. "That's a 360-degree thing. That's nutrition. That's training. That's mentally preparing. That's everything. To play at this age and through all the injuries, you have to have that commitment."
With age comes maturity and tactical moves. Bryant changing his diet and making a '360 degree' dedicated effort to the team could greatly improve his chances of continuing his legacy.
While Nash and Bryant are on their way out of the league, NBA rookie Julius Randle is gearing up to begin his career. "Me coming into the NBA as a (rookie), you've got to prove yourself, and I know that, and that doesn't bother me at all," Randle said. "I don't want anything given to me in the first place.
Carlos Boozer is slated to start over Randle, but depending on how the season moves on this could change at any time. Byron Scott is hoping the veterans on the squad can help mentor the younger players. Playing on the same team with Kobe Bryant would seemingly be one of the greatest learning experiences for the younger Lakers.