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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Lakers trainer initially questioned 1996 trade for Kobe Bryant
The late Kobe Bryant was such a legendary player for the Los Angeles Lakers that it is easy to forget how skeptical people were about him when he was starting out in the NBA. The Lakers traded for his draft rights in 1996, just weeks after he had finished high school in the cushy Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia. At that time, drafting high school players wasn't en vogue, and when some people started comparing him to Michael Jordan, who was still at the height of his career at that time, others kvetched. Los Angeles gave up center Vlade Divac for the rights to Bryant, and it was a way for the franchise to kill two birds with one stone, as it jettisoned Divac to also clear enough salary cap space to sign Shaquille O'Neal. Gary Vitti, who was the team's athletic trainer for 32 seasons starting in the 1984-85 campaign, admitted on Byron Scott's "Fast Break" podcast that he was unsure of the wisdom of trading Divac for a 17-year-old Bryant at the time. 'We traded Vlade Divac for Kobe. You understand that trade?' he recently asked. 'I mean, he's a legit seven-foot guy. I mean, huge hands. If he touched the ball, he owned it. Great footwork. Smart.' Divac wasn't an elite player by any means, but he was very serviceable. He ended up averaging 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.4 blocks a game for his career, and after starting his career alongside Magic Johnson, he was good enough to help the Lakers return to the NBA playoffs in 1995 after missing the postseason just once following Johnson's retirement. Divac may have been lean and considered soft, but according to Vitti, he did have a knack for guarding O'Neal fairly effectively, at least in one regard. 'I love when he played defense on Shaq,' Vitti reflected. 'When Shaq would get him in the post, he'd destroy him. 'The only thing Vlade could do was invent the flop,' Vitti added. 'But do you know that he's actually whispering in Shaq's ear? So the first possession that Shaq would get in the post, right before the ball went into Shaq, he'd say, 'You ready to get two quick fouls?' Vlade played with his mind.' Vitti admitted that he didn't see anything truly special in Bryant for a while. But it was the guard's breakout performance in Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals, when he led the Lakers to a very close victory after O'Neal fouled out in overtime — and after Bryant suffered a severely sprained ankle in Game 2 — that showed Vitti the special qualities he had between the ears. As Vitti pointed out, Bryant was a somewhat above-average athlete, but it was the fact that the superstar worked hard and smart and was as tough as anyone that resulted in five championship rings.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Los Angeles Lakers' Byron Scott reveals how Pat Riley's speeches relentlessly fired up players to dominate
Los Angeles Lakers' Byron Scott reveals how Pat Riley's speeches relentlessly fired up players to dominate (Image Source: Getty Images) Pat Riley's name still carries weight in the NBA world. Known for leading the Los Angeles Lakers to four titles in the 1980s, Riley was more than just a tactical mastermind. He had a gift that few coaches have: the ability to inspire. Decades later, his speeches are still being remembered by players who were lucky enough to sit in those locker rooms. Cedric Ceballos and Byron Scott reflect on Pat Riley's impact On July 6, Cedric Ceballos appeared on Byron Scott's YouTube show Fast Break to talk about his brief time under Pat Riley. Ceballos played just 27 games for the Miami Heat during the 2000-01 NBA season. But even in that short span, Riley left a lasting impression. 'How do you bring your emotions down after his pregame speeches?' Ceballos said. 'I wanted to run through a wall every time he opened his mouth to speak.' Byron Scott, who played under Riley for seven seasons with the Lakers, agreed instantly. He recalled how Riley's speeches didn't just motivate-they fueled an obsession with winning. 'I never brought my emotions down,' Scott said. 'I wanted to go out there and kill somebody.' How Pat Riley influenced Los Angeles Lakers and built a legacy Before becoming a coach, Pat Riley played in the NBA himself; therefore, he understood the psychological and emotional requirements of players. As a coach, he raised that awareness to new levels. Riley made every locker room player feel like they had a reason. Byron Scott's career reached its high point under Riley's tenure. With a career-high 21. 7 points per game in the 1987–88 NBA season, Scott helped the Lakers capture their last Riley-era crown. He always gave Riley credit for drawing out his best. Los Angeles Lakers' Byron Scott reveals how Pat Riley's speeches relentlessly fired up players to dominate (Image Source: X) The legacy didn't end in the '80s. In 2001, after Heat players reportedly criticized Riley, Scott stepped in to defend him. 'He'd do anything for his players to make them feel more at home,' Scott told The New York Times. 'He wanted everything first class. For guys to come back at him like this is ludicrous to me.' Also Read: Bronny James' Viral Dunk Was So Insane, the Internet Thought the NBA Drug Tested Him Even years after retiring from coaching, Pat Riley's influence is still being talked about-not just because of the wins, but because of how he made players feel. That legacy may just be as powerful as the championships themselves. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former NBA player recalls a fight between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal
Former NBA player recalls a fight between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant made up one of the greatest and most successful superstar duos in NBA history. In eight seasons together, they led the Los Angeles Lakers to three straight NBA championships and resurrected their mystique after a rough rebuilding process during the 1990s. They represented a blend of O'Neal's brute force and power and Bryant's creativity, athleticism, sublime scoring skills and incredible clutch ability. Perhaps no other duo in basketball history was as talented as this one. But of course, the two butted heads at times. Olden Polynice, a former NBA big man, was present when the Hall of Famers actually went at it during a practice session, and he recalled what happened during an episode of former Lakers star Byron Scott's "Fast Break" podcast. 'So, we're at Southwest College, right, playing,' Polynice said. 'I'm trying to get — I'm a Laker fan. I wanna be on the Lakers. I gotta be around the Lakers. So, I'm working — we working out. I'm guarding Shaq, blah, blah, blah. Basket, 'Yeah, this is my team, [expletive].' Basket down there, 'Yeah, naw, naw, this is my team.' 'It's going back and forth between the two of 'em. Okay, no problem. I mean, that's us. We're ballers. Mitch Kupchak's sitting over there chilling with Laker brass, and all of a sudden, there's a dead ball. 'They just going back and forth, but I'm thinking it's still part of the crap that we do. 'Nah, [expletive], I'll kick your [expletive].' I'm like, 'Oh [expletive], okay. Are they about to fight?'' In Jeff Pearlman's book "Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty," a fight between O'Neal and Bryant from just prior to the 1999 season was recounted. It appears that was the fight Polynice was referring to. During his podcast appearance, Polynice said that O'Neal attempted to throw a punch at Bryant, but he grabbed Bryant and prevented the punch from landing. O'Neal then chased the guard, and Polynice grabbed the big man to try to diffuse the situation. In retrospect, given the problems the two superstars had at times, and given that both were alpha males who were perhaps better suited to leading their own individual teams, it's amazing that their partnership lasted as long as it did and was as fruitful as it was. Lakers fans will never forget the sweet memories the two provided during those turbulent but exciting days back in the early days of the 21st century.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Former NBA player says LeBron James should consider retirement: 'He ain't getting no fifth ring unless he buys one'
Image credit: Getty Images LeBron James is yet to share a final word on his retirement speculations and will most probably be returning for his 23rd season in the NBA. He is currently going strong as a basketball legend and was a force to reckon with while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. However, not all are willing to see James on the court again. Former NBA player Olden Polynice has said James should retire now. Olden Polynice on LeBron James' future in the NBA Former NBA player Olden Polynice has said LeBron James shouldn't be returning to play in the NBA. Making an appearance with Byron Scott on the Fast Break podcast, Polynice said in a message for James, "The longevity aspect, I think it's getting a little bit too much now. Because I'm like, dude, what else you want to do? It's time for you to start thinking about retiring. He ain't getting no fifth ring unless he buys one, it ain't happening. " Polynice played 15 seasons in the NBA and then went on to become the coach of the ABA's Long Beach Breakers. He was also the color commentator for the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs in 1997. Meanwhile, LeBron James not only played in his 22nd season but also fulfilled his dream of sharing the court with his son, Bronny James. The 20-year-old joined the Lakers and made an impact in his rookie season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ai probleme cu picioarele umflate vara? Acești pantofi sunt soluția! Cumpără acum Undo The season ended early for the Los Angeles Lakers as they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Playoffs. On the question of retirement, James said, 'I don't know. I don't have an answer to that. Something I'll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and just kind of talk through it and see what happens. Just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don't know the answer to that right now, to be honest. So, we'll see.' Also Read: LeBron James on playing alongside son Bronny James: 'This whole year has been one of the most satisfying journeys' In his 22nd season this year, James averaged 24.4 points per game with 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and shot 51.3 percent from the floor. James' second son, Bryce James, has also graduated from school and is committed to play for the University of Arizona's basketball team, the Wildcats.
Newsweek
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers' LeBron James Strongly Urged to Retire By Former NBA Big Man
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has put together a career that places him on the "GOAT" list to many. At the very least, he's a legitimate contender to the title and the only other name on that list is Michael Jordan. It is expected that James will make his return for another season in 2025-26. He is still playing at a high level and would have a full season playing with Luka Doncic next year. He has played in 22 NBA season to this point in his career. Should he play next year, he would officially hold the record for most seasons played in the league. Right now, he is tied with Vince Carter for that record. LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks towards the crowd during a timeout against the Denver Nuggets in the second half of the NBA Opening night game at Ball Arena on October 24,... LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks towards the crowd during a timeout against the Denver Nuggets in the second half of the NBA Opening night game at Ball Arena on October 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. More Photo byWhile James is expected to return for year 23, one former NBA big man does not think he should keep playing. Read more: NBA Analyst Floats Knicks Theory Regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jason Kidd During an appearance with Byron Scott on the "Fast Break" podcast, Olden Polynice spoke out with a pointed statement about James. He believes that it's time for the longtime superstar to call it a career. "The longevity aspect, I think it's getting a little bit too much now," Polynice said. "Because I'm like, dude, what else you want to do? It's time for you (James) to start thinking about retiring. He ain't getting no fifth ring unless he buys one, It ain't happening." Granted, there is obvious proof that James has started slowing down some. However, he is still putting up impressive numbers and making a massive impact night in and night out. Read more: Warriors Trade Idea Lands 2-Time All-Star in Massive Offseason Move Throughout the course of the 2024-25 NBA season, James played in 70 games. He averaged 24.4 points per game to go along with 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a steal. In addition, he shot 51.3 percent from the floor and knocked down 37.6 percent of his three-point attempts. Looking ahead to next season, the Lakers will need to make some offseason moves to get back into NBA Finals contention. Los Angeles needs more defense and also needs a legitimate starting center. Rob Pelinka has his work cut out for him. Polynice may be right that the Lakers aren't a favorite to win a championship, but James is more than capable of continuing to play for another year or two if he chooses to do so. It's an eye-opening take, but it's an opinion that many disagree with. For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
