TheLakersNation.com Exclusive Report!
Media Day — Monday, September 29th
By Chris Manning
Media day was quite an experience. It is an event I always looked at as some sacred ground for the top media members. This year, however, I was fortunate to go as a representative of TheLakersNation.com with KLAC AM570. So above all else, thank you KLAC for allowing TheLakersNation.com to join you!
For the first time, I was going to experience media day first hand and I’m happy to write this up for everyone else exclusively here at TheLakersNation.com
I arrived there a bit early, around 10:15AM. The facility is also where the L.A. Kings practice, the entire place is just stunningly beautiful. When I arrived and got into the gym area where media day was being held, I couldn’t help but notice the little things. The championship trophies up by Buss’ office window, the big Lakers logo in the center of the court, and the look of an NBA regulation basket. All these things immediately triggered one thing for me – Lakers basketball is officially back.
Upon arriving there, I saw some of the rookies and Andrew Bynum on the exercise equipment. Bynum was running great and I looked at his knee. Both look great – no swelling etc. Everything you’re hearing about Bynum’s knee is absolutely true. He is and looks like 110%. Not only does his knee look great, but he actually looks a bit taller and indeed more chiseled. He is absolutely rock solid and it’s scary to watch him stand next to Pau. The idea of those two on the court together sent chills down my spine! Speaking of Bynum, we’ll have a BIG surprise possibly coming soon to TLN… but I’m not going to spoil this now… stay tuned.
After meeting a few staff members and being introduced to other people, media day finally began and AM570’s area got an exclusive interview with Kobe first. The media was snapping away while Matt Money Smith and Petros got the interview underway for their radio show, “PMS.”
I was given the task of directing the players to read the cards for the AM570 and radio spots. Everyone had a blast reading them, and the out takes were the best. Everyone player, including Phil, read the cards. And it was a pleasure working with some of the guys and be able to chat – some more than others.
The players moved from station to station while the media members circled up in the center to get interviews with players. It was somewhat structured. As for each player I got to chat with, everyone was in great spirits. There is one goal in mind – NBA championship.
By the way, EVERYONE loved the “Vittiz.” I didn’t get Gary Vitti’s take on it because I didn’t get a chance to talk to him, but everyone loved it and wanted one. Definitely get in your pre-orders now!
Now I am taking questions and answering them in this thread on the TLN forums from everyone! So if you have a question, check it out there!
Here’s a quick run down on some players for you guys:
- KOBE - Kobe is Kobe. Ready to go, in great spirits. Says he feels great. I think it’s safe to say it was a more relaxed media day for him this time around as opposed to last year.
- FISHER – Fish is great, he looks great and says he feels pretty good.
- SASHA – Told me he is the “MACHINE.” He looks a lot more thick this season and is definitely ready for the season.
- PAU – Very nice, ready for the season, excited. We love you Pau!
- BYNUM – Looks amazing. The guy looks taller, bulkier, stronger, bigger… you name it.
- ARIZA - Healthy and ready to go. I told him he is a BAD MAN for what he did to Grant Hill on Christmas day.
- MIHM – 100% ready. Excited to be healthy and able to play.
- LUKE - Getting healthy. Feels great, looks better.
I will have more up – ask the questions – fire away. A lot of information from today! I will answer them in this blog post, as well as in the forum thread!
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