The Los Angeles Lakers returned from the NBA All-Star break to find Byron Scott back in training camp mode, with an abundance of running drills waiting for them. Wayne Ellington did not practice on Wednesday, citing gastroenteritis (stomach flu) and the Lakers are listing him as questionable for Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
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Before the break, Nick Young (foot) and Jordan Hill (hip flexor) were both dealing with injuries, but Scott said neither of them seemed to show any ill-effects at today’s practice and considered it a “good sign.” Scott sounded surprised to see pretty much the entire team was on the practice floor 30 minutes early (including Nick Young), eager to get back in the gym.
With the NBA trade deadline approaching, questions about the deadline and free agency were in full flux. Scott was asked what current positions need strengthening:
All of them. There’s not one position right now that I could say I’m totally satisfied with. That’s going to take time. We’ve got to do it piece by piece. I rely on Jim and Mitch. I don’t interfere with that.”
Scott admitted he allows himself to briefly think about what “could be,” with players that are currently on the market, though he tries not to dwell on it.
The first thing you do is kind of, ‘Would this guy fit into our system and what we’re trying to do?’ And, it’s either yes or no and then you just move on.”
Jeremy Lin was also asked about the upcoming trade deadline, as well as NBA free agency. Lin said there is “no point” in him thinking about it right now, revealing that he’s actually asked his family and agent not to ask him about it until the season is over.
Rookie Jordan Clarkson said he worked out with Steve Nash at the Lakers practice facility for several hours on Tuesday. Clarkson said Nash was teaching him fundamentals, including: how to stay lower, be more balanced, keeping his chest up to get into his pull-up jumper faster, and seeing the floor.
Scott says he expects an easier practice on Thursday before the Lakers take on the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
VIDEO: Jeremy Lin Addresses NBA Trade Deadline, Free Agency, Goals