Lakers Digest: Kessler Talks Tough Defense, Bronny Addresses LeBron's Exit
Two storylines out of El Segundo: a new big man's defensive promise, and LeBron James' son addressing his father's summer departure.
Film room: two headlines worth watching
New Laker Walker Kessler is already talking like a guy who believes in what's being built. Per ESPN, the big man says this team has the right mix to play hard-nosed defense and compete for a title in the West. I like a player who leads with defense talk instead of scoring averages — that's the right instinct. Now he has to go prove it between the whistles. Camp talk is cheap; stops in December are not.
The other story has nothing to do with wins and losses. Bronny James addressed his father's exit from the Lakers this summer, per ESPN, saying he hasn't talked much with LeBron about the decision but that he respects his father doing what's right for him. He added he's looking forward to facing his father on Christmas.
Coach's take
I don't put much stock in training-camp talk — everybody sounds like a contender in September. But a big man talking defense first is the right instinct, and I'll take that over highlight clips every time. The family stuff isn't my business, and it isn't the team's business either. Keep it in the family. Let the roster worry about fundamentals, and we'll find out what this defense really is once the games count.
