“Our goal every year is the same: to win a championship,” Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak started out Friday’s press conference dedicated to discussing the Lakers’ offseason moves and expectations for the upcoming season.
“First and foremost, we have to stay healthy, and that begins with Kobe (Bryant) and Steve Nash and our offseason acquisition in Carlos Boozer,” Kupchak said. “I think a big degree of our success will depend on if those three guys can stay healthy.”
Unlike a season ago, Kupchak confirmed that everyone was healthy entering training camp, and he made a point to highlight Nash’s current status. According to the Lakers’ GM, Nash had been playing every day and often working out at the Lakers’ facility twice per day. Kupchak hinted that minutes and/or games restrictions would likely come into play with Nash and Bryant, but the details of those restrictions would be left to the Lakers’ Head Coach, Byron Scott.
With regards to Bryant, Kupchak had high hopes.
“I think he’s going to have an excellent year,” Kupchak said about Bryant. “He’s been working every day. I get reports. I’ve seen him personally. I know he’s speaking with Byron on a daily or semi-daily basis.”
Kupchak said Bryant had evolved into a “seasoned veteran” over the past few seasons, and the GM expected the Lakers’ superstar to resemble the player that carried the Lakers to the playoffs two to three years ago. Kupchak added that the 36-year-old was 10 to 12 pounds lighter than he was a season ago.
“It’s comforting to know that [Bryant] will be here for two more years, and he’s healthy,” Kupchak said. “He gives you a chance no matter the circumstances to be really good.”
The white-haired mouthpiece of the Lakers’ front office also discussed high hopes for Julius Randle but voiced a great deal of uncertainty about how much of an impact the rookie would have. Kupchak called Randle “versatile” and said the 19-year-old could well turn into a forward that can bring the ball up the court. However, the decisions on using the player would be Scott’s to make.
Ultimately, the message from Kupchak was centered on keeping the team healthy.
“A lot of our success this year is going to rely on, of course, Steve and Kobe. I mentioned Carlos also,” the GM re-emphasized the importance of his veterans. “Those three are our most accomplished veterans, and they’re going to have to stay healthy, and they’re going to have to play at their best for us to be the best team we can be.”
