LOS ANGELES — Of the various storylines that surrounded Lakers’ Media Day at the UCLA Health Center today, one narrative stands out the most.
LeBron James is still the King Laker.
Amid the addition of key pieces that include Gabe Vincent, formerly of the Miami Heat, and Christian Wood, who last played with the Dallas Mavericks. James remains the main constant for the purple-and-gold franchise.
He may be 38 years old now and has a lot of mileage on his knees as he enters his 21st NBA season. But James, a 4-time NBA champ, 4-time MVP and 19-time All-Star, is still the glue that makes the Lakers a title contender.
“It all starts with the mind,” he told reporters. “I think being able to keep my mind fresh allows my body to kind of follow,” said James, who looked in tip-top shape. The former Cavs and Heat star, per ESPN, reportedly spends over $1 million a year keep himself in A-1 shape.
Photo Credit: Celso Samson Jr. – Sports On Air
RAISING EYEBROWS
Anthony Davis, whom the Lakers signed to a massive three-year $186 million contract extension during the off-season, told reporters that he will shift playing between the 4 and 5 spots in the upcoming season.
The switch will be made possible by the arrival of the aforementioned Woods, who at 6-foot-10 and 214 pounds can man the middle while Davis slides to the power forward duties.
When the Lakers won the NBA crown in 2020, veteran Dwight Howard’s presence allowed Davis to concentrate more on offense and wasn’t too taxed with rebounding protection responsibilities.
Despite falling short of an NBA Finals appearance during the 2022-23 season, Davis had an All-Star campaign averaging 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.6 asssists in 56 games.
MEANWHILE, Austin Reaves talked a little bit about his experience playing in the FIBA World Cup 2023 in the Philippines.
He said he was amazed that people “recognized” him and how grateful he was for the “ovations.”
