L.A. Lakers: News and Notes from Lakers First Day of Training Camp

The first day of Los Angeles Lakers training camp was anything but "business as usual" given the events of the past 24 hours. Yet somehow, amidst all the frenzy surrounding the vetoed trade, the players took a business-minded approach and were effectively able to get down to, well, business.

Some newsworthy notes from the first day:

Awkward Moment

Before practice began, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak addressed the team for approximately one hour to clear the air and prevent any awkward sentiments from being a distraction during the first day.

We don't know what was exactly said, but it's rare for a GM to give a pep rally to the team before practice even begins.

But that's just the business of basketball, and by all accounts, it had to be done.

Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom did not show up for practice. LO did, however, arrive at the El Segundo facilities for a one-on-one "chat" with Mitch Kupchak in the morning.

“To me, I would think it’s better to stay away,” Odom told the LA Times on skipping the practice portion of training camp. "You know, the energy and all."

This leaves in doubt whether Odom will participate in any of the Lakers' practices going forward during camp.

Lakers spokesman John Black said "[On Odom skipping practice] We know why, and we expect he'll be here tomorrow."

I wouldn't be so sure. Sentiment from LO seems he may want to wait out the situation before returning to practice.

Pau Gasol

Always the consummate professional, Gasol tweeted this morning:

"

"New day my friends. On my way to El Segundo for the first day of training camp #staypositive #NBAisBack"

"

Pau Gasol did show up to training camp but did not practice, sitting out with a right quad strain. He's considered day-to-day.

Gasol also skipped the media portion of training camp to complete standard physical/EKG tests unrelated to his quad. I'm sure the timing of the physical was a relief for Pau, avoiding the media onslaught that was sure to ensue had he taken questions.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe touched on the trade issue in a way only Kobe can. On NBA commissioner David Stern's decision, No. 24 said "He can do whatever the hell he wants. He's the commissioner."

When Kobe was asked about his knee by reporters, Mamba responded "You'll see" with a grin.

Andrew Bynum weighed in on Kobe's superb conditioning, saying he looked good physically, "definitely not winded."

Above all, Kobe called today a "great first practice" under Mike Brown.

So far so good on the Kobe-Coach Brown front.

Other News and Notes

The Lakers officially signed Jason Kapono, Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock today. They will be wearing jersey numbers 28, 1 and 0, respectively.

Metta World Peace will still be wearing No. 15 despite talk of a reported number change.

The Lakers invited D-Fenders guard Elijah Millsap, brother of the Utah Jazz's Paul Millsap, to training camp. 

Overall, given the circumstances, the first day of camp should be deemed a success. Head coach Mike Brown was able to start implementing his defensive system, working with players on terminology, rotations and positioning, without allowing the 800-pound gorilla in the room to distract his players.

Coach Brown also reaffirmed to the media his commitment to using a twin tower offense with Gasol/Bynum (and for that matter Odom) down low. His offensive game plans coming into the season haven't changed.

Summing up the day, Coach Brown said he appreciated "the type of class and character early on by everybody."

Basically what you'd expect from a veteran team. Let's hope the players and coaches can continue to build on this momentum and focus on the task at hand—a fast-approaching NBA season. 

First day of practice is officially in the books.