Lakers Rumors & News Recap: Lakers Media Day Roundup

Training camp is here! Which means we’re getting closer and closer to the start of the Lakers regular season. Today was Media Day in Lakers land and a lot of things were talked about between the staff and players.

Kobe Bryant had some fighting words to say about the Clippers. The other L.A. team seems to think that they bring much competition to the Lakers this season, but Kobe begs to differ. Blake Griffin has always been a Clippers force, but the addition of Chris Paul and ex Laker Lamar Odom have increased their playing power. Not to mention former Laker Matt Barnes and also Ryan Hollins, who exploded in the playoffs for the Celtics. You better watch out, Bryant!

Kobe also talked about what every Laker fan hopes happens this year, a championship. To him, winning his sixth ring would be the most important accomplishment. He talked about the starting five, explaining how either the thirst for a first ring or the hunger for more rings is fueling all of the top Lakers players to be the champs this coming season. I have a feeling Kobe also notices that this year may be one of his last chances; with his age and the stacked Lakers roster, 2013 seems to be the time. Unfortunately, the Lakers face stiff competition from a number of teams.

Dwight was very vocal today as well, talking mainly about his appreciation for being on this Lakers roster. Howard talked about a little Lakers, Miami Heat rivalry, commenting on the observation that the move to acquire him and Nash was much like Miami’s move to get Bosh and Lebron two seasons ago. In his discussion, you could tell Dwight was optimistic of this season’s outcome. Howard also discussed the possibility of Kobe retiring in a few years, and what that would mean for him with the organization. He didn’t clue us into much about his future plans, but he did speak highly of the Lakers star, explaining that learning from Kobe is an honor.

“Learning from a guy like Kobe, I know he’s going to be tough on me. I expect that. I want him to do that. I want to be that guy. I’ll take all the heat that he’s going to give me, because I know that at the end of the day it’s going to make me a better player, a better person, and it’s going to make this team better.”

Lastly, don’t miss Elizabeth Benson’s posts on her Eastern Conference Lakers 2012-2013 season competition. LN already posted her pieces on OKC, the Spurs, and the Nuggets, but today Ms. Benson brings you her first Eastern team, the reigning champion Miami Heat. The Heat are coming off a high from winning the title last year after playing two years with the highest expectations.

To check out photos from Media Day, click here.

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