LAKERS HOPE TO KEEP BALL ROLLING WITH NEWEST ADDITIONS.Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer If you have Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (pronounced "shak-KEEL") (born March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey), frequently referred to simply as Shaq, is an American professional basketball player, generally regarded as one of the most dominant in the National Basketball Association (NBA). and Kobe Bryant Kobe Bean Bryant (born July 23 1978) is an American All-Star shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. on your team, it's almost embarrassing to stick your hands out for more. But the Lakers know that to three-peat as league champions they had to tweak their roster, and this offseason they did so and came up with a handful of newcomers they hope will keep them a step ahead of the rest of the league. Part of the revamping was necessary: When Horace Grant Horace Junior Grant (born July 4 1965 in Augusta, Georgia) is a retired American basketball player. He attended and played college basketball at Clemson University, before playing professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he became a 4-time NBA champion. left via free agency for Orlando, it opened a gaping hole at power forward. The Lakers went out and signed five-year veteran Samaki Walker Samaki Ijuma Walker (born February 25 1976 in Columbus, Ohio) is an American professional basketball player currently signed with the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA. [1] , who to date is more promise than production. Walker, 6-foot-10, 240 pounds, adds more athletic ability and youth, but he's a downgrade from Grant and previous power forward A.C. Green in terms of experience and knowing how to play. Walker struggled during the exhibition season acclimating himself to the triangle offense  This article or section may be confusing or unclear for some readers.Please [improve the article] or discuss this issue on the talk page. , which probably means Robert Horry Robert Horry (born August 25, 1970 in Harford County, Maryland) is an American National Basketball Association basketball player. Currently playing for the San Antonio Spurs, Horry is is known for his ability to make clutch shots in big games. will get the start beside Shaquille O'Neal, at least for the time being. The Lakers are keeping their fingers crossed that Walker will come around and at least give them productive minutes. ``We'll be quicker and more athletic,'' Lakers coach Phil Jackson
Philip Douglas "Phil" Jackson (born September 17, 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is the current coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, an American professional basketball team. said of the addition of Walker. ``But he's still trying to find his way.'' Some of the additions were sheer good fortune. Point guard Lindsey Hunter came over in a trade with Milwaukee to back up Derek Fisher, but when Fisher injured his foot again, resulting in another operation and a spot on the injured-reserve list until late November, Hunter suddenly became the starter. ``He brings that veteran savvy and the ability to shoot the ball,'' Lakers assistant coach Jim Cleamons said. ``And once Fisher gets better, he'll be a guy coming off the bench.'' Veteran off-guard Mitch Richmond was also a valuable, fortunate addition. He was itching to leave Washington to play on a winning team, so when the Wizards bought out his contract it didn't take him long to sign with the Lakers for the veteran's $1 million exception. ``He increases our average age, for one,'' forward Rick Fox said of the 36-year old Richmond. ``Actually, when you bring in a guy with his ability at a point in his career where winning is all he wants to do, it's going to be beneficial.'' |
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