Training camp has just started and the excitement over the 2012-2013 season is coming in waves. With the roster almost locked up tight, there is a lot to look forward to. But for four hopefuls – Robert Sacre, Darius Johnson- Odom, Reeves Nelson and Greg Somogyi, the chance to play with the L.A. Lakers rests on their performance over the coming weeks.
Reeves Nelson, a native of Modesto CA, is one of those players who has been given that opportunity. Formally a player at UCLA, Nelson first stepped onto the court for the Lakers during his time in the summer league. Lakers Nation was able to get into contact with the forward and ask him about his summer experience, what he intends to bring this training camp, and his overall impressions of this Los Angeles Lakers team.
On Summer League…
Lakers Nation: Let’s get down to your journey with the Lakers so far. When did you know you were heading to Las Vegas for summer league? What was the first thing that went through your mind when you knew you were going?
Reeves Nelson: I knew I was heading to summer league with the Lakers about a week or so after the NBA Draft, so it was pretty sudden. A lot of things went through my mind. I was kind of speechless since just being invited was a great honor for me. But I remember being grateful, so grateful. I only got excited for a little while; I knew it was time to get back to work.
LN: How did playing with NBA caliber players differ from your game day experience in college?
RN: The speed. Without a doubt the biggest difference between the NBA and college is just the speed of the game. You have to get used to every facet being faster and better executed.
LN: That is something I notice too when I am watching games. It must have been quite an adjustment period. So tell me a little bit about your overall experience. Was it what you expected?
RN: Summer League was pretty much what I expected. I had watched in previous years so I had a little bit of an idea. I mainly was adjusting to the tempo of the game but basketball is what I do so I went into it like you would do any job.
LN: Did you find yourself saying “this was harder than I thought?”
RN: Honestly, it wasn’t harder than I expected. I knew I was going to be working hard in general.
LN: What was the biggest take-away you left with after playing in Summer League?
RN: Overall I had a really great experience and was glad I was given the chance to go. For me, it was nice to see that I could compete and do well in that environment.
On the Current Lakers Players…
LN: I know you grew up in California, so I am sure you’ve watched the Lakers growing up. Plus, you lived in Los Angeles for a few years. What I want to know is whether the Lakers were your top choice for teams you could have played for?
RN: I didn’t really have a top choice for who I wanted to play for because I went into it the prospect of Summer League with a very open mind. I was willing to compete for a job anywhere that would allow me to do that. But I have been a Laker fan my whole life so it was pretty awesome when the Lakers gave me this great opportunity.
LN: Just out of curiosity, if you weren’t training with the Lakers, who would you like to train with?
RN: Honestly, if it wasn’t the Lakers, it would be any other team willing to give me a chance to compete for a job. I am grateful for this opportunity in general and would have been just as welcome to playing somewhere else.
LN: Great strategy. It seems like it was meant to be. The competition is going to be tough to see which of the four of you get a chance to make the final Laker roster. Can you tell me why do you deserve to make this Lakers squad?
RN: Everyone is great and I know I have work to do. But I deserve to make the team because I am someone who will work my absolute hardest every day to get better as an individual, and more importantly, to make the team better in any way I can.
LN: If you did make the squad, where do you see yourself fitting into this Lakers team, especially with the caliber of talent picked up this summer by the Lakers organization?
RN: I see myself as a role player. My role would be to bring lots of energy, defense, rebounding, and hustle plays whenever I step on the court. It’s about helping the team.
LN: Who are you most excited about having the chance to play with?
RN: I’m excited to play with everybody. Since the Lakers are a veteran filled team, I look forward to learning as much as I possibly can from the guys who have been there and done what I aim to do. Especially guys at my position, like Metta (World Peace) and Antawn (Jamison).
LN: Have you hung out with any of the players? If so, who was the most fun to spend time with?
RN: They are all nice and good guys. It would be hard picking someone who’s the most fun. I have enjoyed my time getting to know all of them equally.
Next Page: Proving Himself and Basketball in General
On Proving Himself…
LN: Alright. Let’s talk about the most important thing for you right now, this training camp, and where you see yourself performing. Was there any area where you saw room for improvement this summer in Las Vegas and how you have worked on that area now?
RN: I just needed to improve on certain aspects of being a wing player, since I moved up a position to the three. Ballhandling, defending wing players, hitting outside jumpers consistently…all those things can always be improved upon.
LN: Where are you going to stand out above the rest of the guys trying for that last roster spot during training camp?
RN: I’m not worried about the other players competing; they are friends of mine. I’m just going to do everything in my power to help the team and get noticed.
LN: Well, is there one thing that you can bring to the table that the others can’t?
RN: I think I am a very versatile player that can help out at multiple positions on the floor. The other guys are pretty much at one set position, which then gives me an edge.
LN: What are you going to do to ensure that you make this team?
RN: Work hard. But there’s nothing I can do to ensure a roster spot. Like I said, I’ll do everything within my power to help the Lakers and my teammates.
LN: Understandable. I know training camp won’t be a cake walk. When it all starts to get tough, how do you stay motivated?
RN: Motivation comes from wanting to help my family have a good life, and from the people telling me I can’t do it. That’s all I need.
On Basketball in General…
LN: I want Lakers fans to get a chance to get to know you a bit. So let’s have some fun! Who do you think is the Lakers biggest competition this year?
RN: There are three teams I see being heavy competition for the Lakers. First is the Heat, the NBA’s defending champs, so they deserve the respect that comes with that. The OKC Thunder of course; they had a strong showing last year. And the Spurs are always going to be good.
LN: Which NBA star would you most like to defend?
RN: I would most like to defend LeBron James, Kevin Durant or Kobe, because I think that they represent the biggest challenge of anybody 1-on-1.
LN: Which player would you compare yourself, or your style of play to? Why?
RN: I don’t really compare myself to anyone. I just play my game best way I know how.
LN: Who do you predict to get MVP after this 2012-2013 season? Win the Championship?
RN: Kevin Durant will probably win this year if he stays healthy. He’s due for one. And of course I think the Lakers are going to win the championship!
LN: Tell us one thing about yourself that not many people know.
RN: I rarely watch TV. At all. I find that to be an uncommon trait in people my age.
LN: Crazy! I think I have too many sports teams to watch that it would be hard for me to not tune into the tube. Do you have any words that you live by and want to share with our readers?
RN: I have a few. But coming from a place where I’ve heard a lot of doubters, one in particular stands out right now; “Tell me I can’t, I don’t hear you.”
When Reeves ended his interview with me, with those words being his last, I felt really perplexed. The rest of the afternoon had gone on as you normally would imagine; personalized answers, but typical expectations on training camp any player would have addressed. But to be so candid on where his motivation came from, Reeves told a lot about himself.
You see, negativity is a strong motivator. For some, having people always tell you negatively how they feel about you and your goals can take a dismal toll. But for others, it’s just propulsion to prove them wrong. Reeves is in that place, and I find that to be deadly, in a good way.
Expecting to get things done your way will eventually set you up for disappointment. But having the fire behind you to be better and better gives you constant energy. If one thing is sure, Nelson is ready. And he’s been ready for a while. Mentally, he’s there. Physically, he’s there. It’s just a matter of being able to show everyone that he’s there. I have no doubt he will be able to prove he is a strong basketball player, but it depends also on how the other three perform.
When you look at Reeves, you have to agree with his statement on versatility; one thing that sets Reeves Nelson apart from Sacre, Johnson- Odom, and Somogyi is his ability to play multiple positions on the court. This makes him really valuable, not only for game time, but also practice. Imagine the usefulness to starter teammates.
Nelson also brings an unmatched aggression to the court. When honed, this quality is beneficial to the Lakers because it translates to hard work. Driving to the basket harder. Defending harder. Running the baseline harder.
Without a doubt, between his gratefulness and work ethic, Reeves would give his all for this Lakers team. His life is about basketball and playing basketball. That’s it. I expect people who are observing these four prospects to be surprised by Nelson in a great way during training camp. Nelson is going to show great prowess, and give those he competes against a run for their money. Being undrafted, he’s at a disadvantage. But with a history that has seen several controversies, watching Nelson become a team player and a hard worker, even on the bench, during Summer League a few months ago has shown how focused he really is.