Will big egos prevent FIBA Team USA and Lakers’ Bryant from succeeding?

In an Aug. 16 article, a Los Angeles Times sports writer asks a fundamental question about the upcoming FIBA America Championships. With such a talented group of high profile NBA athletes, including the Lakers’ own foward Kobe Bryant, will players be able to get over their individual strengths and work together as a cohesive unit? According to an interview with Team USA member and Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince, the group is aiming to do what is best as a team so that they can succeed. “Yeah it could be a problem when you have egos and those type of things,” Prince said. “But I think that with this group and the coaching staff we have, it’s a good situation where that definitely won’t happen.” As for Bryant, who lead the NBA in average point scored per game this past season, he told the LA Times that he was thrilled to be part of the team. “You get a chance to play with with great players and an opportunity to see what they do. You can’t help but be excited about something like this.”

Prince, who has played for the Pistons since 2002, said he views the experience as a high-pressure environment that can help the NBA players excel. “Thing about Kobe - and it’s been this way throughout my career, even before I got to high school - you knew how competitive he is,” Prince said. “He loves challenges. He’s going to make the best out of you because you know he’s going to make the best out of himself.” As Team USA prepares for its first game against Venezuela on Aug. 22, Coach Mike Krzyzewski will be forced to cut the 14-player roster down to 12 before the big day. Meanwhile, the team continues to practice fervently as the regular season creeps up. For Lakers tickets this season, visit www.stubhub.com.

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