Every year since becoming a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has organized a players-only mini-camp that takes place in late summer just before the start of the team’s official training camp.
It has been a way for James to show leadership and help get new players acclimated while feeling welcome as everyone prepares for a new season.
As was the case last year, the Lakers have many new players on their roster, and thus building chemistry and cohesion will be a big key to their success.
To that end, the team has started its James-led mini-camp down south in San Diego.
The Lakers’ players-led minicamp tipped off in San Diego this morning. Every player on the roster is present, sources told ESPN. Training camp opens up officially on Monday with Media Day in El Segundo.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 23, 2022
There was one exception: Dennis Schroder, whom the team signed just days ago and is still helping himself and his family return to Southern California.
An update: New PG Dennis Schroder is organizing his family’s move back to Los Angeles and was unable to attend Day 1, according to a source. https://t.co/q0UCEvqVFK
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 23, 2022
Schroder, of course, played for L.A. during the 2020-21 campaign. Although he didn’t leave the team on the best terms last summer, James made it clear he is pleased to have the German native back as a teammate.