L.A. Lakers: News and Notes from Lakers First Day of Training Camp

The first day of Los Angeles Lakers training camp was anything but "business as usual" given the events of the past 24 hours. Yet somehow, amidst all the frenzy surrounding the vetoed trade, the players took a business-minded approach and were effectively able to get down to, well, business.

Some newsworthy notes from the first day:

 

Awkward Moment

Before practice began, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak addressed the team for approximately one hour to clear the air and prevent any awkward sentiments from being a distraction during the first day.

We don't know what was exactly said, but it's rare for a GM to give a pep rally to the team before practice even begins.

But that's just the business of basketball, and by all accounts, it had to be done.

 

Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom did not show up for practice. LO did, however, arrive at the El Segundo facilities for a one-on-one "chat" with Mitch Kupchak in the morning.

“To me, I would think it’s better to stay away,” Odom told the LA Times on skipping the practice portion of training camp. "You know, the energy and all."



This leaves in doubt whether Odom will participate in any of the Lakers' practices going forward during camp.

Lakers spokesman John Black said "[On Odom skipping practice] We know why, and we expect he'll be here tomorrow."

I wouldn't be so sure. Sentiment from LO seems he may want to wait out the situation before returning to practice.

 

Pau Gasol

Always the consummate professional, Gasol tweeted this morning:

"New day my friends. On my way to El Segundo for the first day of training camp #staypositive #NBAisBack"

Pau Gasol did show up to training camp but did not practice, sitting out with a right quad strain. He's considered day-to-day.

Gasol al...

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