Although the Los Angeles Lakers were not playing in the NBA Finals, that did not keep them out of the headlines. Like always in Los Angeles, there were a plethora of reports and rumors in the past week.
We here at Lakers Nation covered all the news coming from the Lakers and here are the ten best news & rumors from the site.
Mike Brown Hopes LeBron James Wins NBA Title
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown was once the leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and LeBron James. James and Brown made it to the 2007 NBA Finals and were always title contenders. Even though James eventually left Cleveland, Brown still wants his former player to win the ring.
Kevin Durant Wants to Be Like Kobe Bryant
Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant is emerging as one of the best players in the NBA and he doing whatever he can to mimic some of the league’s other stars. Durant said he would like to approach the game with the same mentality as Kobe Bryant.
Los Angeles Lakers 12-1 Favorite to Win 2013 Title
The Los Angeles Lakers were named 12-1 favorites to win the 2013 NBA title, while the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder were tied for a 5-2 mark.
Ramon Sessions Declines Player Option; Becomes Free Agent
Los Angeles Laker point guard Ramon Sessions was acquired near the trading deadline, and he always expressed a desire to stay long-term with the team. However, Sessions opted out of his contract and will try to negotiate a longer, more lucrative deal with the Lakers.
Phil Jackson Wanted Kobe to Play More Like LeBron
Former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson wanted Kobe Bryant to play more like LeBron James. Bryant is known as a score-first player, but Jackson would have liked to see him look for his teammates more often.
Jim Buss Kills Lakers Trade Rumors
Lakers Executive Jim Buss made it clear that the team won’t be pursuing any blockbuster trades in the off-season. The Lakers are no longer true title contenders, and it seems as though Buss doesn’t understand that.
Lakers Looking to Move up in 2012 Draft
The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to improve their draft order via trades. The 2012 Class is very deep and the Lakers are looking to add some nice, young pieces.
Mike Brown Discuss Ettore Messina’s Departure
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown issued a statement regarding Ettore Messina’s departure to CSKA Moscow.
Kobe Bryant Leads International Jersey Sales
Kobe Bryant leads the NBA in international jersey sales. Bryant is a superstar on the international scale and people recognize the Lakers leader no matter where he goes. That world-wide fame will once again be showcased this summer when Kobe heads to London for the Olympics.
Mitch Kupchak Sees Lakers Staying Intact
Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak does not see a lot happening this summer for the team. Jim Buss already told reporters that the team will remain pretty much the same, and Kupchak backed up his boss.
