TAfter losing 2-4 to the Phoenix Suns in the first round after a year marked by injuries and in which they were unable to defend the ring achieved in the “bubble” of Orlando (USA), the Lakers They tackle this new season an interesting and risky challenge with one of the most exciting and stellar squads in the NBA.
The Angelenos made a clean slate, and have only kept their two figures, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and young Talen Horton-Tucker.
The Spaniard Marc Gasol was not saved from this great renovation in the purple and gold team, which has had a hectic summer in the offices with the incorporation of names in capitals such as Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan, Rajon Rondo o Trevor Ariza.
The doubts revolve mostly around the age and physique of this extremely veteran team. “Age is nothing more than a number”, Anthony Davis pointed out, confirming that he would play many more minutes in the power position.
Carmelo Anthony, in his debut in the Lakers jersey, pointed out that “The narrative” about age is something that is talked about a lot outside the team but not inside.
For his part, LeBron James admitted that he had laughed at some jokes on the internet about the age of these Lakers and he recalled that, beyond the conversations in the media and on the networks, “the matches are won between the four lines” of the field.
In addition, James assumed the responsibility of leading this team, ensured that leadership does not come and go but is something that he practices at all times, and praises what he can contribute. such an explosive player as Westbrook. “We need Russ to be Russ,” he said. Westbrook picked up the glove and vowed to bring “every night” what he does best: “Energy, effort and speed.”
“I have been vaccinated by my family”
LeBron James He confirmed this Tuesday that he is vaccinated against the coronavirus and, although he avoided criticizing or giving advice to those in the NBA who have not yet received the puncture, he pointed out that his personal health and that of his close circle were the reasons that led him to make that decision. .
“I was very skeptical (about the vaccine), but I did my research (…), it seemed to me that it was the best not only for me but for my family and for my friends, and that’s why I decided to do it, “said the Lakers star on the day with the Los Angeles franchise media before the start of the preseason.
James said that when it came to vaccination, he was only speaking for himself and insisted that this is a decision that each player must make based on their personal situation.
“We talk about each other’s bodies. It is not something political, racism, police brutality or things of that nature “He argued when asked whether a figure of his importance should not step up to encourage the rest of the league to get vaccinated.
In this sense, James stated that he did not feel comfortable telling others what to do with their bodies and with their families.
The NBA preseason has so far been dominated by the controversy around players like Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal or Andrew Wiggins, who, for different reasons, have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
