Lakers Media Day: LeBron James Looking to Be Part of ‘Something Special'

Star free agent signing LeBron James captured the spotlight Monday at media day when most of the NBA's 30 teams' players and coaches answered questions about how they spent their summer vacation and discuss what's ahead.

Wearing a gold Los Angeles Lakers jersey, James was the first player to take questions during the Lakers' mid-day news conference. The former Heat and Cavs star joined LA in an off-season blockbuster deal that re-shaped the NBA landscape. 

"It's just always humbling for me anytime I get the chance to be part of something special," James said Monday.

He was asked about his expectations entering his first season in Los Angeles. 

"My expectation is to get better every single day," James said. "I don't expect nothing. You work for what you want. It's all part of the process."

He also was asked about his thoughts on representing another city.

"Moving from place to place is something I've become accustomed with," James said. "It's an adjustment my family, myself and my friends will all adjust to because we have each other." 

Lakers' basketball boss Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka said last week they're thrilled with the offseason progress made by their revamped roster and James, their prize free-agent acquisition. The Lakers have been working out together informally at the club's training complex ahead of the start of training camp Tuesday, and Johnson likes what he sees so far.

"Just to see all of them together playing a pickup game, oh my goodness," Johnson said. "It's something to watch. I've watched LeBron from afar. I've been at many of his games. But to watch him in the gym is a whole different thing. How much he makes everybody better, but also how he raises everybody's level of play. His basketball IQ and his leadership ability, it's all on display."

Lonzo Ball won't be on display in every workout at the start of camp, however. The Lakers' second-year point guard had knee surgery two months ago, and Pelinka said Ball will be held out of five-on-five scrimmages when camp begins, even though he has been fully cleared for all basketball activities.

Johnson and Pelinka praised Ball's offseason work to improve his awkward jump shot by adjusting his shooting mechanics. They also realize Ball has plenty of work to do.

The Lakers are determined to allow Ball to grow into his role as a playmaking leader, and Johnson believes Rajon Rondo will play a mentoring role. Along with James, the Lakers also acquired Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Michael Beasley to form a new veteran core for a 16-time NBA champion franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since 2013.

The Lakers' disparate collection of talent will need plenty of time to gel, but Johnson is already seeing it happen in those scrimmages.

"I mean, they are going hard," Johnson said. "It's physical. It's tough. There's trash talking. It's just a lot of fun, and also a lot of teaching at the same time. It's really great to see these young guys getting a chance to learn from champions."

And as if he needed any reminder, Johnson has witnessed the singular skills of the 33-year-old James, who agreed to a four-year, $154 million free-agent deal.

"LeBron comes in, and he's already in midseason form and shooting fadeaways and 3-pointers from almost half-court," Johnson said with a broad grin. "And you're sitting there saying, `Man, thank God we signed him."'

Along with blending their new additions, the Lakers must adjust to the loss of Julius Randle and Brook Lopez. Johnson and Pelinka aren't worried about filling the space left by the departures of those two big men, believing they've got more than enough height to guard anyone.

"We feel we have two players at every position -- a starter and then a backup to that person," Johnson said.

Added Pelinka: "A lot of people have said this is one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, and that is an extreme strength to us."

Dallas and Philadelphia got their media-day responsibilities out of the way late last week, because they are off to China for preseason games soon. The other 28 teams will have availabilities throughout the day.

Golden State will be asked about the quest to win a third straight title. Minnesota will be talking about Karl-Anthony Towns' new super-max $190 million deal and Jimmy Butler's trade demand. And in Miami, Dwyane Wade will hold the final media-day news conference of his career.

The 28 teams with media days Monday all open training camp Tuesday.