Los Angeles Lakers: Three Things To Watch In Camp
By Chris Walton
2. Veteran Leadership
The additions of Brandon Bass, Lou Williams and Roy Hibbert will align with Kobe Bryant. Each player will likely serve as a mentor to their younger counterparts. Marcelo Huertas also left the Brazilian league to join the Lakers. Huertas is sure to offer a buffer between Russell and the growing pains of NBA development.
Lou Williams is about as pure as he can be in the scoring department. He could also assist the team’s other veteran guards in handling both Jordan Clarkson and Russell in that area. Williams also has the chance to prove that his value goes beyond just his Sixth Man of the Year pedigree.
If there is a definition of a pro’s pro, then two guys you can think of are Brandon Bass and Roy Hibbert. While neither guy is an NBA superstar, their work ethic and off the court demeanor are admirable. Both are known as hard-workers and have a strong presence in the locker rooms. The pairing of these two in the frontcourt could work wonders for all of the younger big men on the Lakers’ roster.
On the other hand, all eyes wine will be on Kobe Bryant. It’s been a while since he’s been tasked with leading younger players; Smush Parker and Kwame Brown come to mind. The team will need the reflective and insightful Kobe that’s emerged in many interviews this offseason. In what may be his farewell, the lasting gift that Bryant can leave the franchise is his 20 years of basketball wisdom.
Next: Last Man Standing