The Los Angeles Lakers are about to embark on a new season, and just six days from now, they will play their first game of the 2012-13 season. The Lakers surely have the capability of winning a title in 2013 and they are arguably the most talented team in the league. The team chemistry seems to be on point and although many people question the Lakers’ ability to fit well on the court, that is not their biggest problem.
Los Angeles has won a 16 NBA championships, and their nucleus of the recent 2010 title team is fairly intact. So even though the Lakers are talented enough to be championship, injuries can deteriorate any chances of winning a ring. One of the team’s biggest stars, Dwight Howard is coming off back surgery and the rehab process took the entire summer. Howard is still getting back into basketball shape and his teammate, Kobe Bryant, spoke to the Los Angeles Times and offered some advice in getting fully recovered.
“Be patient, be smart,” Bryant said.
“You gotta listen to your body, that’s really the biggest thing, listening to your body and not trying to get too far ahead of yourself,” Bryant said.
Howard debuted for the Lakers on Sunday night in a preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers ended up losing the game, but Howard did finish the night with 19 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. Bryant later went on to say thatHoward’s back bothered him a little after the game, but overall it was a nice showing.Bryant is a player known for fighting through injuries and no matter what happens to his body, there are not many times Bryant misses games. However, there are not many players in the league like Bryant and he is making sure his newest center isn’t making mistakes by pushing his body too hard.
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In case you missed it: Dwight Howard talks about his Lakers debut.
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Ramneet is a Staff Writer for Lakers Nation and has been contributing his thoughts on the Lakers and the NBA since 2010. Follow Ramneet on Twitter @Ramneet24.
