Although the Las Vegas Summer League provided an opportunity for the Lakers to generate excitement about what lies ahead, that was not their only achievement in Nevada.
Though players often visit the city briefly before enjoying the nightlife and casinos, the Lakers accomplished much more this July. Featuring a newly overhauled roster, a blend of freshly signed players and returning team members gathered in Vegas for an informal player-led mini-camp to begin training as a unit.
During a broadcast on 97.1 The Fan, Khobi Price of the California Post shared some insights regarding these gatherings.
“They held a veteran’s minicamp out in Vegas. Recalling it from memory, I believe Jake LaRavia was present, along with Walker Kessler. Sexton attended too. Mamu was there, as was Bronny James. Jarred Vanderbilt participated, and Jaden Hardy was also in attendance… It’s all about establishing a connection. This process kicked off in the middle of July in Vegas with this player camp. They weren’t doing anything too intense, just running through training sessions and getting acclimated to one another, which is crucial with so many fresh additions. Austin Reaves was in the mix as well. With so many newcomers, activities like this are vital for developing team chemistry and establishing a sense of comfort.”
While this might seem like a minor detail without an immediate, massive impact, supporters always appreciate seeing teammates unite early on. At the very least, it establishes a foundation for subsequent joint training sessions throughout the remainder of the summer.
Historically, the Lakers frequently organized a player-led camp right before official training camp under LeBron James’ leadership. Whether this tradition will persist once LeBron is no longer around remains to be seen. However, looking ahead to a season with so many unfamiliar faces on the squad, gathering the group for early practice sessions seems even more logical than usual before the official campaign begins.
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