Los Angeles Lakers reveal their 2021-22 NBA squad on 2021 Media day, Tuesday, September 28.
Big three LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook all answered media questions before posing for photoshoot with other team members.
Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach, Frank Vogel addressed the media before his team members and he said there are a lot of mounts to feed on this roster, but “We all know we have to be a team-first team. They’re all here to win a championship.”
Vogel briefly talked about Anthony Davis play position this year, “He’s played center the last 2 years. It’s just what type of balance we’re going to have. That’s still to get determined.”
He said AD played more 4 in 2019-20 and more 5 in 2020-21. The plan for this season is for AD to play more 5, but as always, he’ll play both. Also Vogel acknowledged that the Lakers lost some good perimeter defensive players, but said they still have good two way players, and certainly the rim protection. Whether this team commits to be an elite defense again will determine where they go, he added, and he’s optimistic.
LeBron James Press Conference , 2021 Media Day
Lakers Assembled a veteran team for the 2021-22 season, which gave many in the media to criticize Lakers age. But LeBron is not having any of those. He said: “The narrative about our age, I kind of laugh at it. … Some of the jokes and some of the memes have been extremely funny.”
He also said the game is not won “in the newspaper” — which is how you know this team is old.
In terms of fit with Westbrook, LeBron said it may not be “peanut butter and jelly” from the jump on the court in terms of who does what, but LeBron feels he always figures it out. Regardless of former teammates (Wade, Kyrie, AD, etc.), he eventually gets to the right balance.
LeBron also talked about COVID-19 vaccine, He said that at first he was skeptical of the vaccine, but did his research, and decided to get vaccinated, and have his family get vaccinated.
Russell Westbrook 2021 Media Day Press conference
Westbrook said that he and LeBron, since the trade, have developed a real mutual understanding of each other’s work ethic, preparation and desire to win: “We both understand and know what it takes to be able to win, but ‘Bron understands what it takes to get to that next level.”
Westbrook also said he doesn’t take for granted the opportunity to have a job, to be able to come to the Lakers facility every day and work, especially in his home town. Genuine excitement.
Anthony Davis press conference, 2021 Lakers Media Day
Lakers coach always likes Big men and so they brought Dwight Howard back for this season along with DeAndre Jordan. But both Frank Vogel and Anthony Davis feels he will be playing the 5 for most of the time: “For the most part I think the plan is to go with me playing center.” Says he’s “comfortable” with that.
Carmelo Anthony Press conference , 2021 Laker Media Day
Carmelo talked about knowing LeBron since they were 15 years old. Now they’re in Year 19. “That journey itself, alongside somebody like LeBron, you can’t write that any better … It’s not just basketball though. It’s a different connectiion.”
Anthony added that there were moments where they discussed being teammates before, but maybe neither one was ready. Now they’re here. “Timing is everything.”
Carmelo Anthony said he’s seen LeBron put the pieces he really needs for him together for his teams to be at their best, and adjust his game accordingly. “All his teams are different … every year calls for a different LeBron.”
Dwight Howard press conference , 2021 Lakers Media Day
Dwight said he’s really looking forward to playing with Westbrook, whose energy he thinks will rub off on everybody else. “All of us are intense … he’s another level.” Westbrook also benefits the big men, said Dwight, as bigs “eat” off his dribble penetration and passing.
Also he feels so confident about this team, “I think the reason why we feel so confident is the love we have for the game. All of us are passionate players when we step on the floor. We’re (also) all about our business when we step on the court.”
2021 Lakers Media Day Gallery
Image courtesy of Lakers. 
Lakers Big 4 posing for a photo during 2021 Media day. Image courtesy of Lakers. 
Lakers Bigs will be hard to handle for anytime inside the paint. Image courtesy of Lakers. 
Image courtesy of Lakers. 
Anthony Davis looks healthy and itching to prove doubters wrong this season. Image courtesy of Lakers.
