When the league kicked off their annual media days on Monday, the usual light-heartedness and excitement-inducing quotes that typically transpire were instead largely absent. With several players and teams somehow still coming to grips with the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overarching feeling of the day simply felt disappointing.
The Lakers, fortunately, helped buck that trend on Tuesday, with a mostly foible-free day. Beyond the off-the-court issues, the team also shared an encouraging sentiment amongst the group of selflessness, accountability and winning. Given what each player on this loaded roster will have to do to make it work, all the talk of sacrifice was music to Lakers fans ears.