UDF4N4LIF3
07-29-2008, 08:35 PM
The Los Angeles Lakers have a relatively low-key entry at this year's NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Selecting at the very bottom the draft at 58, the Lakers don't have a heralded first-round pick to introduce. Instead the most well-known participant may be the team's 15th man, Coby Karl.
To that end, the team has sent out Los Angeles D-Fenders Head Coach Dan Panaggio instead of on the usual cadre of Laker assistant coaches.
Nonetheless the Lakers have a number of interesting prospects likely to get camp invites and a chance to make the team. In addition to Karl, the squad includes 58th pick Joe Crawford, forward Pat Calathes and guard Brian Roberts.
Roberts was one of the players the Lakers seriously considered drafting. At 6'2", Roberts hails from Dayton and is a noted three-point shooter (44.1% career).
After making a strong impression on the Lakers pre-draft, Roberts was disappointed not to get selected but hopes to prove himself in Vegas.
"I had a good workout with them before the draft. They really liked my game," said Robert to HOOPSWORLD's Bill Ingram. "I just want to go out and show them that I can play in this offense; that it's a good offense for me. I just want to fit in."
It's generally difficult for the Lakers to field an effective team quickly considering the complexity of the triangle offense. They tend to play better as a unit after a few games together.
"It's been a challenge just to get here and learn the offense within a two-day span," continued Robert. "From the first day I think I've gotten better with it. It's been a challenge, but I'm stepping up to it."
In Vegas, Roberts says he is working on "controlling the game - point guard skills. In the triangle it's s a lot of cutting and moving which is a part of my strength, [as is] my ability to shoot and use my quickness."
Through two games, Roberts is still looking to show the Lakers that he's up for the challenge.
"Out here in summer league, everybody is fighting for a job," said Roberts. "I'm just coming out and trying to do what I can."
It's difficult to anticipate the Lakers' complete 2008-09 roster at this early date. Negotiations continue with restricted free agent Sasha Vujacic. Arguably the team's backcourt will continue to feature Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar and Vujacic. In addition to Karl, Crawford and Roberts the team may also bring in Chinese guard Sun Yue.
Competition could be fierce with probably just a single roster spot available for a young, developing guard.
To that end, the team has sent out Los Angeles D-Fenders Head Coach Dan Panaggio instead of on the usual cadre of Laker assistant coaches.
Nonetheless the Lakers have a number of interesting prospects likely to get camp invites and a chance to make the team. In addition to Karl, the squad includes 58th pick Joe Crawford, forward Pat Calathes and guard Brian Roberts.
Roberts was one of the players the Lakers seriously considered drafting. At 6'2", Roberts hails from Dayton and is a noted three-point shooter (44.1% career).
After making a strong impression on the Lakers pre-draft, Roberts was disappointed not to get selected but hopes to prove himself in Vegas.
"I had a good workout with them before the draft. They really liked my game," said Robert to HOOPSWORLD's Bill Ingram. "I just want to go out and show them that I can play in this offense; that it's a good offense for me. I just want to fit in."
It's generally difficult for the Lakers to field an effective team quickly considering the complexity of the triangle offense. They tend to play better as a unit after a few games together.
"It's been a challenge just to get here and learn the offense within a two-day span," continued Robert. "From the first day I think I've gotten better with it. It's been a challenge, but I'm stepping up to it."
In Vegas, Roberts says he is working on "controlling the game - point guard skills. In the triangle it's s a lot of cutting and moving which is a part of my strength, [as is] my ability to shoot and use my quickness."
Through two games, Roberts is still looking to show the Lakers that he's up for the challenge.
"Out here in summer league, everybody is fighting for a job," said Roberts. "I'm just coming out and trying to do what I can."
It's difficult to anticipate the Lakers' complete 2008-09 roster at this early date. Negotiations continue with restricted free agent Sasha Vujacic. Arguably the team's backcourt will continue to feature Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar and Vujacic. In addition to Karl, Crawford and Roberts the team may also bring in Chinese guard Sun Yue.
Competition could be fierce with probably just a single roster spot available for a young, developing guard.