<blink>Lakers Notebook!!</blink>
In this section I will update the current Laker happenings, how players are doing, and quotes.
10-5-97-->PALM DESERT- Right before the Lakers' training camp opened here at the College of the Desert last friday, each player had to take a treadmill test to show what kind of shape he was in. All of their marks were posted, except for one. Only Shaq didn't have his listed, making some in the organization wonder what kind of shape the great center is in. He hasn't practiced since Friday because of a strained abdominal muscle. Shaq, for his part, said he's in shape and that he didn't spend this summer making movies or rapping.
"I'm OK, I'm getting better. I'll be fine." Shaq said.
On the first day of camp, the Lakers did a series of wind sprints. At the end, many of them were doubled over. When Lakers head coach Del Harris was asked what kind of shape his team was in, he just smiled. "Bell-shape curve" Harris said laughing. "We have a few that are in very good shape, a few that weren't very good and some between. We certainly need the 28 days of practiced" Harris said.
The Lakers might finally be catching up with other teams in the league. They have hired a strength and conditioning coach, the first time in team history. JIM COTTA's job will be to implement and maintain a program for the players and to assist trainer Gary Vitti. "This is the way the rest of the teams are doing it and this is the way we are going to be doing it." Harris said. " It's a real welcome. he has an individual program that he will provide."
Free agent forward Mario Bennett has been a pleasant surprise for the lakers in camp. The 6-9, 235 Bennett has been pushing free agent power forward James Forrest for the 12th and final spot. Forrest has hurt his chances some by coming to camp out of shape.
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