Phil Jackson spoke with the media regarding the team before heading into training camp. Here’s the video.

http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080926philjacksonpressconference.html

Guard Sun Yue, arrived in Los Angeles from China on Sunday, he was taken to the emergency room last night after becoming ill. He was tested positive for mononucleosis.

He is not expected to be ready to practice by Tuesday when the Lakers open training camp and will be out indefinitely.

The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed free agent center Didier “DJ” Ilunga-Mbenga, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

A discussion about US Basketball with Coach K, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd.

The Lakers will implement a new pricing plan for tickets beginning for the upcoming season.

Tickets in different sections will have three different prices: a regular game price; a discounted season seat price; and a premium price.

Seven Laker games have been chosen as premium games.

• December 25 vs. Boston
• January 19 vs. Cleveland
• January 25 vs. San Antonio
• February 20 vs. New Orleans
• February 26 vs. Phoenix
• March 15 vs. Dallas
• April 3 vs. Houston

Lakers Senior Vice President of Business Operations Tim Harris said, “This has been a growing trend in sports and entertainment ticket pricing in recent years and allows us to increase revenues to offset our increasing payroll costs. At the same time, while determining the market value of ticket prices, we were sensitive to being able to protect our season seat holders by keeping their price increases to a minimum.”

Walton expects to get medical clearance Wednesday from the doctor, giving him the go-ahead to begin more rigorous workouts. He ran Tuesday on a wind-bubble treadmill that reduces body weight on joints, the first time he has tested his ankle since having surgery less than two months ago.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed and if I get it (clearance), I’m going to start pushing it as hard as I can,” he said.

Walton had surgery July 18 to remove bone spurs and scar tissue, as well as clean up cartilage debris from his right ankle, which had bothered him toward the end of last season.

He said Tuesday that he wants to be ready to go when training camp opens Sept. 30. Whether his ankle is ready is another matter.

Source

LAKERS.COM–The Los Angeles Lakers have signed free agent guard Brandon Heath, it was announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.

Heath, a 6-3 guard out of San Diego State spent last season playing in France for Entente Orleans 45 where he averaged 12.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 25 games.

Looks like the Lakers are trying to fill the summer roster with extra cushion in the guard position.

Kobe was on Jimmy Kimmel Live discussing the Olympics, not getting surgery on his injured pinky finger and family life.

After seeking numerous opinions from hand specialists, Kobe Bryant has decided not to have surgery on his injured pinky finger. On his website kb24.com he stated that he did not want to miss any time on the court when Lakers training camp opens later this month.

“I have always felt that I can still focus and play at a high level even through various injuries. That’s really just part of the game. When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery. What it really came down to for me is that I just didn’t want to miss any time ‘punching the clock’ for the Lakers, given all we are trying to accomplish as a team this NBA season. I am just really excited and looking forward to being there with the guys when camp opens in a few weeks. That is a real bonding process and if I can avoid being on the sidelines for that, God willing, I will,” said Bryant.

According to Orange County Register, Andrew Bynum wants to sign an $80 Million contract extension.

If the Lakers and Bynum don’t come to terms on a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline, Andrew will become a restricted free agent next summer.

“If I handle my business on the court, the business off the court will be handled. All we can do is wait on that; that’s up to my agent to handle,” Bynum said last week.