The news out of Monday’s practice is that the Los Angeles Lakers are closer to having another body back on the floor. After strains in both hamstrings, Ryan Kelly finally returned to the practice floor, going through about an hour of practice which included 5-on-5 drills.
Lakers head coach Byron Scott says the plan is for Kelly to go through shootaround tomorrow and see how he feels. Kelly could be ready for game action on Tuesday vs. Phoenix, though Sunday is more likely. Scott said he looked “okay” in practice.
The theme of Monday’s practice was that the team is still figuring out the best way to play together. Jeremy Lin singled out the spacing on offense and gave this example:
For example the spacing, that’s one thing we’ve been really trying to figure out. How we’re going to give Kobe his space and let him operate the way he wants to, but then with two popping bigs, how do we implement that with an attacking guard like myself.”
Lin also admitted that the early struggles in Los Angeles have been a bit more frustrating than he expected, but that’s mostly to do with a new system and figuring out how best to operate within it. Lin says he does recognize what’s needed from him, it’s just a matter of figuring out how to execute:
They need me to attack and make plays all the time and just put constant pressure on the defense,” Lin said after Monday’s practice. “I haven’t been able to bring everything but I know it’s early and it’s not because of lack of effort, we’re doing everything we can.”
Carlos Boozer echoed the same sentiments as Lin, that their struggle is not for lack of effort. Boozer pointed to communication being the number one thing this team needs to work on.
The Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night at Staples Center.
[divide]VIDEO: Lakers Practice Report – Ryan Kelly Probable For Tuesday