Basketball season is approaching, and a sign of that is the Lakers hosting their media day on Friday in El Segundo. General manager Rob Pelinka, coach Frank Vogel, and every player got a chance address reporters.
Superstar LeBron James talked to the media for the first time since March. “If we’re not playing through Anthony Davis while he’s on the floor then it makes no sense to have him on the floor. Because he’s that great”, James said to the media.
James continued to praise his new co-star, who was traded this summer to the team: “It’s exciting to have such a beautiful young mind, a beautiful player but also a great leader as well. I don’t think he gets a lot of credit for that.”
It’s no surprise to hear James praise Davis, considering the fact that he lacked a superstar alongside him last year. After 8 straight years of going to the NBA Finals alongside multiple all-stars like Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Kyrie Irving, James and the Lakers failed to make the playoffs.
James also reminded everyone that he has already run an offense through someone else: “First couple years in Cleveland when I returned for the second time I wanted the offense to go through Kyrie. I wanted him to be able to run the show.” James said.
With a new roster and renewed energy, James appeared motivated for this upcoming season: “I’m very motivated. But I’m not in talking about it mode. I’ve been very quiet this summer for a reason. My mother always told me, ‘Don’t talk about it, be about it’. So that’s where I’m at.”
Lakers will begin training camp on Saturday and will play their first pre-season game on October 5 against the Golden State Warriors, who are premiering their new arena, Chase Center.
Photo: Arash Markazi/LA Times
