Laker fans welcome to the new season. That’s actually Anthony Davis in the purple and gold. Yesterday, we had the first look at the Chicago native in the jersey. Today is the first day of Lakers training camp and the unibrow-ed unicorn’s sharing the court with LeBron James. Let’s take a look at some of the quotes and videos of what went down.
Starting Five
Fans speculated all summer about who would be joining Danny Green, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis in the starting line-up. In the scrimmage, we the point guard and center to join the trio were Rajon Rondo and JaVale McGee. The second unit comprised of Alex Caruso, Avery Bradley, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jared Dudley, and Dwight Howard. Quinn Cook and Troy Daniels cycled into that second unit as well.
Looks like what appears to be the current first team won the scrimmage at the end of Lakers practice pic.twitter.com/XCiA6lSN3y
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) September 28, 2019
(Shoutout to our friend, Harrison Faigen for these)
When asked about the lineup, head coach Frank Vogel stated that Davis and James are playing together so they can build chemistry. Those around them are subjected to change.
When asked about the first group today (Rondo/Green/LeBron/AD/McGee), Vogel said the teams are going to change every day, aside from AD and LeBron playing together most of the time so they can build chemistry. The guys around them will change.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 28, 2019
Is seeing Rondo in that unit uneasy? Sure. But it is just the first training camp practice and things can change. No need to overreact for now. There are still weeks to go before the regular season, but we will be monitoring the situation as camp continues.
Vogel stressed that these aren't necessarily the starters. He says the players around LeBron and AD will change daily as they look at different combinations
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) September 28, 2019
Rondo the shooter
Back to the topic of Rajon Rondo. Vogel brought up how “good” of a shooter he has become and mentioned that he has been working with Jason Kidd. Kidd similarly progressed into a better shooter as his career went on. Rondo, on the other hand, might not be the “young point guard” that he was to mentor when first hired.
Frank Vogel (unprompted) praised how good of a shooter Rondo has become over the last few years and says he's working with Jason Kidd (who also went from non-shooter to off-ball threat late in his career).
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) September 28, 2019
As we said before, no need to overreact (yet). But it can be important to stress that having a non-shooter like Rondo in the starting line-up can be worrying. Still, there is some reason for the regard that Rondo has from his peers. James and Davis respect and like playing with him. Coaches hold him to high regard (sometimes too high).
Pleasing two of your best players is important. We would want Davis to be happy during his last year under contract. Rondo fills that role.
Defensive emphasis
The first hour of practice was all emphasized on defense. Vogel was known for his defensive pedigree during his time with the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers were an okay defensive team the past two season, ranking 13th in defensive rating. The two years prior they ranked 30th.
First hour of practice was all defensive drills and fundamentals. “We have the talent to be elite on the defensive end of the floor. We have to commit to it.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 28, 2019
Having a big like Davis can be huge in regard to defense. He spoke about wanting to win defensive player of the year before. James also noted how he was ready for the challenge during media day. A team with defense that can get back in transition with James, Davis, and shooters can be deadly.
There were some lackluster defensive performances last year, especially during the second half of the season. If improving the defense is a big priority for Vogel, it can pay big dividends during the regular season.
Stay tuned for more about Lakers training camp as it carries on.
