Training camp has been under way all week, and the rookies have begun to learn a thing or two. All four, Robert Sacre, Darius Johnson- Odom, Reeves Nelson and Greg Somogyi, are stuck in a dichotomous relationship of best friends and fierce competition. Greg is one of those Lakers hopefuls, and looms over the rest. Literally. At 7 feet 3 inches, Somogyi brings an off-the-bench talent and height that goes unmatched in L.A.
The chance to play with the L.A. Lakers rests on Greg’s performance over the coming weeks. A native of Hungary, Greg has been living the American dream for six years, and hopes to continue it with a permanent place on the Lakers roster. As a UCSB alumn, and an adopted CA boy, the Lakers are Somogyi’s obvious choice.
We contacted the big man to talk about his experience this summer and the past few days during training camp, and to let our readers get to know this prospect just a little bit better.
On Summer League…
Lakers Nation: Greg, I know you played a bit this summer with the Lakes. When did you know you were heading to Las Vegas for Summer League?
Greg Somogyi: Well, I got invited to the mini camp before the Summer League, where we had three or four days of practice. At the end of the camp they made a cut, and I passed it; it was then that I knew I was part of the team going to Vegas.
LN: What was the first thing that went through your mind when you knew you were going?
GS: Happiness. I was really happy and also relieved. Before Las Vegas, I was thrown into this high pressure situation with a possibility of being cut, and that was stressful. I felt great honor to be a part of the Lakers in any way, and be able to show my skills.
LN: You didn’t play many minutes this summer, but you were still a presence, enough to earn a training camp spot. How did playing with NBA-caliber players differ from your game day experience at UCSB?
GS: The role is almost about the same. At UCSB, my part was to come off bench and support the team, bringing in refreshed energy. I feel like that is my role for now with the Lakers. Even if I only get 30 seconds on the court, I have to make an impact. I have to go all out. The level of players I am going up against will be different, so I just have to improve my skills and focus more.
LN: Tell me about your overall summer league and workout experience. I know you’ve been with the team ever since your time in Vegas ended.
GS: I played in Summer League and then have been working out with the Lakers for about a month. At first, I didn’t know what to expect. Before I went, I talked to people that have been in the league, like Orlando Johnson from UCSB whom I played with. I wanted to get as much information as possible. So far, the Lakers have been professional and helpful. The coaches take the time to help improve my game and make me the most I can be. The past two months have just been about improving my skills.
On the Current Lakers Players…
LN: Living in CA for college, the Lakers must have been one of your top team choices, right?
GS: The Lakers were definitely my top choice. I went to school at UCSB and there are a lot of Lakers fans there, but I also watched them growing up. They believed in me the most, so it was a perfect setup. The Lakers were willing to take a chance and give me the opportunity, so I never considered anyone else. I put my whole heart in the Lakers. I am 100 percent in this right now.
LN: There is stiff competition during this training camp. Why do you deserve to make this Lakers squad?
GS: I have been working really hard this summer for this and I feel I can help this Lakers team in little, but explosive, ways, mainly in practice and games. I also still have room to improve and be shaped, essentially, allowing the Lakers to mold me a bit to what they need. I want to make a bigger impact than my abilities allow me to now. One thing that sets me apart is my defense, shot blocking and rebounding.
LN: The summer was packed full of big-talent acquisitions. Where do you see yourself fitting into this Lakers team?
GS: I would be a relief bench player, more on the defensive end. I would probably have more of a presence around the rim and help other bigs in foul trouble. Honestly, whatever minutes I get to come in and provide support will be fine with me. I intend to come off the bench and give it my all.
LN: Who are you most excited about having the chance to play with?
GS: Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard. The both play my position but in different ways. Pau represents great skill and finesse and Dwight is more of a power player. I have a lot to learn from them. The goal is to see how they do what they do and learn from them. A goal of mine is to be able to do some of the things that they do after learn as much as I can from them. Basically, pick up some moves and add it to my game.
LN: Those are two great role models to have. Speaking on the rest of the team, have you hung out with any of the players? If so, who was the most fun to spend time with?
GS: I’ve really spent time with all of them, especially after we have workouts. I have spent the most time with Sacre because he is a rookie like me, plays my position, and is a great overall teammate.
LN: Of the starters and veterans, who was the most fun to spend time with?
GS: I like Metta because he is very open and really wants to see the young guys do their best. He has been really helpful. Dwight is a lot of fun too; he is a big jokester.
LN: I remember hearing how he walked into Media Day cracking a few jokes with the reporters. Has he told any funny jokes that you remember?
GS: *Laughs* No not right now. If I remember one, I’ll tell you.
Next Page: On Proving Himself, Making the Team
On Proving Himself…
LN: After Summer League and workouts, did you see room for improvement this summer and how you have worked on that area now?
GS: The main thing for me has been the level of activity I have on the court. I need to improve my second and third efforts in rebounding and shot blocking. I also have tried to improve offensive post moves. A lot of coaches have been helping me and guiding me to improve me in these areas. All in all, I’ve seen an overall change because I’ve been working really hard. Other people seem to notice as well.
LN: Training camp has started for you. Can you tell me about your first few days?
GS: It was a shock. Everything started with the fast pace of the media on Monday’s Media Day. I saw a whole other side to basketball which was the glamor of the game and the attention we all get with the media. I mean, there was a red carpet on Monday. And then the next day, Tuesday, was practice; back to work. It was interesting to see the attitude of everyone and how it changed back to this focus. The players, the coaches, the staff have all been explicit on saying this year’s goal is a championship. Everything has been really thrilling.
LN: Where are you going to stand out above the rest of the guys trying for that last roster spot?
GS: I will keep working hard like I have been and try to show my up sides. I want to show the coaches that I can really help the team, especially defensively.
LN: How has the competition been with the other players?
GS: Friendly. It is always friendly competition between the guys who are on the verge of making the team. Overall, I’ve been in a supportive environment while still being competitive.
LN: Do you notice one guy being more competition than the others?
GS: Sacre, mainly because we play the same position. It really depends on what the coaches are looking for.
LN: Give me one thing that you can bring to the table that the others can’t.
GS: Well, I am 7’3’’. So shot-blocking, for sure.
LN: How do you stay motivated?
GS: Simple. I look down at chest and see the Lakers name on there and it makes me remember why I am here and what I am trying to do. I get reminded that I want to be a part of this. It’s a dream for me and I will do whatever I can to accomplish that dream.
LN: What do you expect from the rest of this training camp?
GS: It’s going to be a great experience, and a lot of learning for me. I just look forward to the whole experience, as it’s something a lot of people don’t get to do.
On Basketball In General…
LN: So, you are from Hungary, correct? How long have you been in the U.S.?
GS: Yes, I am from Hungary. I have been in US for six years now; two years of high school here and four years of college at UCSB.
LN: Who do you think is the Lakers biggest competition this year?
GS: Obviously Miami and OKC come to mind.
LN: Which NBA star would you most like to defend?
GS: Tim Duncan of the Spurs so I can learn some moves. He has an interesting game.
LN: Who do you predict to get MVP after this 2012-2013 in the NBA?
GS: No idea. There is great talent this coming year.
LN: How about who you think will win the championship?
GS: Of course it’s going to be the Lakers.
LN: Let’s end this interview on something fun. Can you tell the Lakers Nation readers one thing about yourself that no one knows?
GS: Well, if I tell you, then you are going to know. *Laughs* My favorite TV show is The Bachelor and Bachelorette. I watch it with my fiancé.
LN: Perfect. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.
GS: No problem. Thank you, too.
Knowing Greg was from Hungary, I expected this interview to be difficult. But I must say, Greg is one of the more intelligent basketball players I have met. Not only is he book smart, he has street smarts and wit that seems to be uncommon in today’s modern athlete.
Well-versed, and clearly well educated, it wasn’t surprising that Somogyi had all his ducks in a row. Humbled by his Lakers experience, Greg has been working on himself to be the player the Lakers need. Not stubborn, he prides himself on his room to grow and mold. And that is a great quality to have.
You look at Somogyi and directly see the difference between him and the other three hopefuls; he’s 7’3”. That translates to defensive and offensive benefits that are easier with height; dunking, shot-blocking, and rebounding. As a probable relief player, he’s beneficial to the other big men in times where they may need a rest. The 30 seconds to a minute of play time he will get a game will be full of energy, drive, and hard work -values Somogyi prides himself in emulating.
All in all, Greg brings a basketball intelligence and a defensive prowess the Lakers need. It’s hard to come by men who back away from the lime light, in something like a high PPG (points per game) in favor of being a defensive gift. But Greg isn’t expecting to be the star or play many minutes; all he wants to do is help the Lakers team. And that’s okay with me.
You can follow Greg:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram: @gregsomogyi