SANTA BARBARA — The Lakers may have greeted Jose Calderon with open arms. But the Lakers have not exactly welcomed him with a pleasant voice.
Calderon’s second training camp practice on Wednesday with the Lakers coincided with his 35th birthday. Or, as he clarified, his 28th. And well before the Lakers further ingratiated themselves into the Luke Walton era, several of his young players attempted to sing “Happy Birthday” to the 11-year NBA veteran.
“It wasn’t great at all,” Calderon said, laughing. “It’s getting better.”
After all, a birthday dinner might await. Perhaps Walton will also allow him to play his own music during practice, something the new Lakers coach has implemented to create more joy in an otherwise workmanlike atmosphere.