Los Angeles Lakers Training Camp Set to Begin

On October 2, the road to the start of the NBA season (or the Lakers show, which ever one you prefer) begins, when the Los Angeles Lakers report to training camp.

In case you haven’t heard, Dwight Howard won’t be ready for the start of training camp or the first preseason game in Fresno, which takes place on October 7 against the Golden State Warriors.

Howard told ESPN:

We’ll see what the doctor says,” Howard said. “If I’m ready for opening night, I’ll be there, but I’m not going to rush it. A back is very serious, so I’m going to take my time and make sure I’m 100 percent because I want to give everybody 100 percent. I want to give everybody everything I have.

Thanks Dwight. Now back to me.

In preparation for the new season, Lakers General Manger Mitch Kupchak has announced that the team has hired Eddie Jordan, Steve Clifford and Bernie Bickerstaff as assistant coaches. They’re replacing Ettore Messina, John Kuester and Quin Snyder, who have found other positions within the basketball world.

Present at Lakers camp will be the newly signed and second round draft pick Darius Johnson-Odom.

Jodie Meeks, who will backup Kobe Bryant, will report to camp as well. Earlier this month, the Lakers added undrafted rookies Reeves Nelson and Greg Somogyi.

The Lakers finally signed forward-center Robert Sacre, though details of the the contract were unclear; he will be invited to training camp.

The Lakers do not have any first round draft picks.

Jordan Hill will be the only option to substitute for Howard unless they decide to go with a rookie.

The team is very guard heavy. Hopefully, the age and skill of Bryant and Steve Nash, will allow some of the inexperienced guards the opportunity to get some minutes in.