As the Los Angeles Lakers began preseason and training camp in Hawaii for the first time since 2007 this year, it was a time to be put the players to the test, along with if Byron Scott can help rebuild this struggling Lakers team.
Byron demanded a lot of running from the Lakers in the preseason to be better conditioned. He had the team run to get in good physical condition and obviously, stronger legs and hopes to build a stronger mentality for the season.
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Frazier was signed by the Lakers in August on a multi-year contract and played in four preseason games. Although Frazier was waived by the Lakers in October, he later signed with the D-Fenders. With the few minutes he played during the preseason, he averaged 2.25 rebounds and assists per game.
He recalls how hard training camp with Byron was, and when asked if it was as hard as everyone says it was, he even says it was ‘definitely the hardest thing,’ as transcribed by Lakers Nation contributor Alan Huerta:
Oh yeah, for sure. It may be harder. I don’t know what you guys have heard but that’s definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through in my life. I mean it was pretty tough in college, you know coach Donovan’s preseason was pretty tough, but this was a whole another level – but I’m glad I got to experience it.”
Despite training camp being hard for Frazier, he says it has helped move him in a positive direction, bumping up his experience with the league, along with a better preparation heading into the season with the D-Fenders.
Just mentality wise. Hearing other guys around the league or hearing guys that came from other places saying that this is the hardest training camp they’ve ever gone through and I had the opportunity to be fortunate enough to have the experience that my first time I’m in the league – not a lot of rookies get to do that, so if I do end up somewhere else, I’ll be prepared.”
Though Byron’s training camps are intense and definitely at a whole new level, the challenge is worth it. Though, with a better-conditioned team and players will possibly change the game. Words to describe them, intense running and fast paced.
As the D-Fenders season begins soon, hopefully, all that running will pay off and maybe we will see Frazier again, as he slowly earns his way back up onto the Lakers roster for a future call-up.
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