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The Lakers finished their media day duties yesterday and began basketball practice. Almost every player, with the exception of Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum, took the court today and began to get ready for another season. The new Laker players and training camp signees got to show their talents to the world and the coaching staff. The practice day was shown live on NBA.com and everyone got to see what happened on the practice court. Surprising, the players did not have a grueling day, they went through fundamental drills and focused on basic skills. Another season has started for the Los Angeles Lakers, but this season is different. The team is better, Kobe is healthy and everyone knowns what is need to win a championship.
The Latest on the Lakers
Laker guard Steve Blake suffered a mild ankle sprain, but he still took part in today’s practice. Luckily the injury was not a cause of concern, because Blake is expected to play a big role on the Lakers. [Lakers.com BasketBlog]
Kobe Bryant has played in many Finals in his lifetime, and he knowns what it takes to win a championship. He is looking to win his sixth NBA title, but he there are may obstacles facing him and and the Lakers. However, Kobe claims that hunger will not be the problem. [ESPN Los Angeles]
Both Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum sat out in today’s practice due to injury problems. Bryant and Bynum are key players in the Lakers’ success and must get healthy in order for the team to succeed. [ESPN Los Angeles]
The Lakers obviously need Kobe Bryant to play amazing in order to win another champion, that’s what leader do. However, if the Lakers want to pass the Heat and Celtics, they must be a play as a team. [OC Register]
Off the court news: Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian reach their one year anniversary. [OC Register]
Shaquille O’Neal has been known to talk trash, and this time he is firing back at his former teammate Kobe Bryant. [Pro Basketball Talk]
Coach Phil Jackson thinks his center, Andrew Bynum, will only miss two or three weeks. [OC Register]
The Lakers have great players on their roster, but they also have great personnel on the bench. The team has been successful for all these year because of the coaching staff and their efforts. [Lakers.com BasketBlog]
Here are some pictures to relive the Lakers’ Media Day 2010-2011. [Lakers.com]
The Latest on the NBA
The Carmelo Anthony trade is being changed, with perhaps another team entering to rumored blockbuster deal. [Dime Magazine]
LeBron James is tired of all the doubts and comments targeted at the Heat, instead he will let his game do the talking. [ESPN.com]
Tony Parker is no longer the smooth, flashy French point guard we saw before, but he still wants to remain on the Spurs. [ESPN.com]
So apparently, Carmelo Anthony states that he never asked for a trade. Then why did he turn down a $65 million dollar extension? [ESPN.com]
Gilbert Arenas has finally spoken to the media after his bizarre gun incident last season. His prime may have been taken away from him, but he is still a dynamic scorer. Remember is 60 points in Staples Center? [ESPN.com]
The Bulls are hopeful that Joakim Noah will sign an extension with the team. [ESPN Chicago]
Videos
Matt Barnes interview on Media Day
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5ZcOYfeTWg