Lakers’ Training Camp Begins Tomorrow

The defending NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, have their media day today (Sept. 29), begin training camp on Wednesday (Sept. 30) and will have their first exhibition game against Golden State in Anaheim on Oct. 7. The Los Angeles Times listed five things to watch as the Lakers open training camp and begin the road to opening night of the NBA season, when they host their hometown rivals the Clippers at Staples Center on Oct. 27. Not surprisingly, Ron Artest is the first variable, as he swapped places with fellow forward Trevor Ariza in signing a five-year contract with the Lakers (Ariza inked a similar deal with the Houston Rockets).

Center Andrew Bynum comes next, as his health seems to always be an issue. Last January Bynum suffered a torn knee ligament and sat out 32 games, averaging just 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in the playoffs (a stark contrast to his previous averages of 26.2 points, 14 rebounds and 3.2 blocks). After signing a four-year, $33-million contract to remain with the Lakers, Lamar Odom is back (and is the third variable listed by the Times). At number four is Kobe Bryant, or more specifically his age. Bryant, 31, will be entering his 14th season, which has some wondering if his age will begin to show. Lastly, the NBA hasn’t had a repeat champion since 2002 with the Lakers so everyone will be waiting to see what will happen this June.

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Posted in General on September 29, 2009

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