David Samson sits down to discuss rumors that the Los Angeles Lakers are meeting and working out in shoe executive Steven Jackson’s replica Staples Center home court in Bel Air and why this could be a major topic of discussion if and when the NBA season resumes. Samson sits down on his podcast “Nothing Personal with David Samson” to explain the situation and why the league needs to address it.
“That’s a violation of the rules,” Samson says explaining that the NBA has not been allowing workouts during the course of the quarantine caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Samson emphasizes the severity of this if it turns out to be true and defends his take by explaining the importance of an even playing field.
“If you’re the NBA you’ve got to look into this. To me this is as serious as PEDs and this is as serious as sign-stealing by the Astros, and the Red Sox and the Yankees and every other team. Now before you take this as a bad take, let me explain why it’s not. The whole point of PEDs and sign-stealing and why it’s an issue is that what leagues try to do is make sure there’s a level playing field where the biggest differentiating factor is the talent of the athletes and the talent of the front office.”
Samson explains that the issue here is that not every player has access to the same level facility or the ability to practice as a unit.
“When there’s quarantine and there’s a rule that there will not be anybody working out, that’s because there are many players who don’t have access to a Bel Air mansion court, they’re not invited by LeBron James … and certainly they’re not taking the chance to actually play as a team and make sure that team chemistry stays the same,” the podcast host explains.
While these rumors have not yet been investigated or confirmed, Samson responds to anyone who wonders whether the Lakers would actually get together in the first place.
“I think if LeBron James says, ‘Hey, we’re having some practices … I’m gonna need you to be here at 4 p.m. on Wednesday’ guess what, the players are gonna be there at 4 p.m. on Wednesday,” Samson says.
He says this is an issue for the NBA and whether they stay quiet about it as to not draw attention, he says they will definitely be dealing with it.
Samson predicts that if the Lakers start winning and the other top teams are visibly struggling this will be a headline again.
“You’re going to hear about this again. Mark my words,” Samson concludes.
