In an interview with TWC Sportsnet’s Jaime Maggio, Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni discussed numerous topics about the upcoming season including his anxiousness to start the season and the team having a chip on their shoulder.
With so many new players, there’s always the challenge of trying to mesh individual talents together, but D’Antoni is more anxious than anything to get the season started:
“Just anxious to go. We’ve been, they’ve been in most of the month of September. We’re getting a good feel of their personalities and how they are and individually how they perform. Now let’s see if their individual talents can mesh with each other.”
The Lakers have low expectations heading into this season and D’Antoni believes everyone should have a chip on their shoulder, including the coaching staff:
“I think they should. We have some talented players that either have been overlooked or been dissed a little bit. We should have a chip on our shoulder. A lot of us. Coaching staff included. We have some things to prove and that’s what we’ll try to do.”
D’Antoni is very excited about the athleticism and three-point shooting the Lakers brought in this off-season, which will bring an exciting type of basketball. The Lakers coach believes Nick Young is one of the best scorers and talents in this league, but will stress the importance of ball movement. He also looks forward to Wesley Johnson having a break-out season as a former lottery pick in 2010.
Everyone from management to the players have an understanding of the situation at hand and are extremely motivated. Most are already in the practice facility preparing to exceed low expectations. If this team can stay healthy and Mike D’Antoni coaches to the team’s strengths, this year’s Lakers have the opportunity to surprise a lot of people.
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