Los Angeles Lakers hit the Basket Ball court for the first time after losing to Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
According head coach Vogel, the Lakers played a lot of 5-on-5 today. They did some basic drill work, but wanted to get them out going full speed. He said it was a very competitive session.
No starting lineups have been decided outside of LeBron, AD and Russ, said Frank Vogel. That will be determined as the days go on.
We know that the Lakers have retained only three players from the 2020-21 roster: LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Talen Horton-Tucker. Remaining all members are new to the team including Mr. Triple-Double Russell Westbrook.
Frank Vogel is excited with Westbrook on the floor , when Laker reported Mike Trudell questioned Vogel on what stood out about Russell Westbrook, in his first practice
“It’s noticeable how different the speed looks, A, in front of you in practice, and B, on your side,” said Vogel. “It’s really exciting. I’m going to be honest … he’s just a blur out there with his open court speed, and even half court downhill speed.
“His first practice, he was basically a paint-to-great factory all practice long. He was just getting in the paint and finding people either for lobs or for threes all practice long. It was very encouraging.”
Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook did their media availability following their first practice. Westbrook said it’s very exciting to put the theories that he, LeBron and AD talked about over the summer into practice. Figuring out how to best help one another builds day by day.
Westbrook has never played for the Lakers, but did grow up in Los Angeles as a Lakers fan, and attend UCLA for two years. And he’s particularly motivated to try and fast track that process of fitting in with his new teammates, especially his new superstar teammates.
“My job is to make sure I uplift ‘Bron, AD, make sure those guys are competing at the highest level and making sure I make my teammates around me better,” Westbrook said on Media Day.
Lakers training camp Rondo vs Westbrook 
Carmel Anthony playing 5-on-5 during Day 1 of training.
