Here’s your updates from today’s practice:
1 . Nash participated in a full practice today
With the focus mostly being on whether Pau Gasol would play in tomorrow night’s matchup against the Charlotte Bobcats, we were pleasantly surprised to see an active Steve Nash shooting around at practice today. The veteran point guard has not played a game since his initial injury on October 31st, and you could hear his excitement about wanting to get back on the floor.
“It’s starting to get exciting cause I’m able to do some things. The majority of the last six weeks I’ve been pretty inactive.
Even more discouraging have been the recent findings about his running inabilities. However, Nash talked about his improvements in this area after practice today.
“I’ve been able to do some jogging, then running and some one on one.”
Plus, even though the Lakers did not participate in full-court contact drills today, Nash did participate in a full practice and is hoping to return by Christmas.
“Hopefully I can play by Christmas…We’ll see how it responds this week. Today we didn’t do any 5-on-5 or contact.”
2. Pau Gasol practiced today and is hopeful for tomorrow night’s game
With Pau Gasol not having practiced in the past two weeks due to his ailing knee tendinitis, it was great to see the upbeat and optimistic Spaniard. With intense therapy coupled with strength and conditioning exercises for the areas that surround his knees, Gasol is officially listed as a game-time decision for tomorrow night’s matchup against the Charlotte Bobcats.
“I’m happy with the practice that I did today and how I felt…We’ll see how I feel tomorrow and decide then.”
Pau Gasol has clearly been missed, as the Lakers lost five of the first six games they played without him. But, as Gasol noted after practice today, players successfully stepped up in his absence. Gasol said he was especially impressed with the adjustment of Metta World Peace and his success in the post.
Next Page: D’Antoni on Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant
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Practice Report: Check out what Steve Nash and Pau Gasol had to say about their injuries below!
httpvhd://youtu.be/wGear2tHuYI
Next Page: D’Antoni on Gasol’s touches in the post and Bryant’s hefty playing time
3. Gasol won’t be getting more touches in the post early
When ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne asked head coach Mike D’Antoni if Pau Gasol would be seeing more touches in the post early, D’Antoni had a simple answer, “No.”
“We can’t put 15 guys down there in the post. It doesn’t work.”
Coach also reiterated that their offense thrives on sharing the ball and scoring within the first 16 seconds. After those 16 seconds, the offense will rely more on the post.
“We play Lakers basketball…we’ll score in the first 16 seconds, then after that we’ll post people up…”
4. Don’t expect Kobe to rest during the game (he can do that at practice)
Bryant played another 40 minute game in the Lakers win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening. The fourth quarter seemed like a perfect time for Kobe to rest, but Bryant waved off wanting to come out of the game. After 17 seasons, Bryant has somewhat earned the right to decide if he wants to stay in the game, although head coach D’Antoni did say there will be times when he will be making the decision for Bryant to rest.
“We have to win. We have to use his more minutes. The more people that come back the more rest we can give him.”
D’Antoni told Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters that having Kobe rest at practice is more important than allowing adequate rest for Kobe Bryant during the game.
“I’d rather him rest on Monday, than rest on Tuesday, that’s kind of the philosophy I’ve always had.”
Thus, don’t be expecting Kobe to be spending too much time on the bench Tuesday night, even if the Lakers take a hefty lead against the Charlotte Bobcats. Tip-off is set for 7:30pm at Staples Center.
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More From Practice!
VIDEO: More From Dwight Howard and Mike D’Antoni
httpvhd://youtu.be/1aQnCdsxC0g