Media frenzy follows Bryant to Honolulu
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Los Angeles Lakers begin training camp in Honolulu tomorrow.
The media frenzy starts Friday.
Lakers spokesman John Black said more than 70 media credentials have been issued for the 10-day training camp, which will culminate with exhibition games against the Golden State Warriors Oct. 7 and 8.
"In the past, when we've held camp in Hawai'i, I would say the number (of media requests) was closer to 30," Black said. "It's already a large number this year, and there's still several media sources contemplating whether or not to come. Most (of the requests) are from Southern California, but there are others from places you wouldn't expect."
The excessive coverage can be summed up in two words: Kobe Bryant.
In July, the Lakers' all-star guard was charged with sexually assaulting a hotel clerk in Colorado. The preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for Oct. 9 at Eagle, Colo.
Black confirmed that Bryant will participate in the training camp, but the team is still not sure of his status for the exhibition games.
Black said that Bryant will be made available to the media while in Honolulu, but only to answer basketball-related questions. The team also said Lakers coach Phil Jackson and other players also will not discuss Bryant's case or personal issues.
Bryant's presence at training camp will undoubtedly overshadow some of the other Laker stories of the preseason: all-star center Shaquille O'Neal is healthy and will participate in training camp; former all-stars Gary Payton and Karl Malone will make their Lakers debuts after signing as free agents; forward Rick Fox has a foot injury and is the only returnee not expected to participate in camp.
According to Black, the rookies, and players with less than four years of NBA experience will begin camp today. The veterans — including Bryant and O'Neal — are scheduled to appear for the first time on Friday.
All practices will be held at the Stan Sheriff Center, but will be closed to the public.
Tickets are still available for both the Oct. 7 and 8 exhibition games at the Stan Sheriff Center. Tickets can be purchased during normal weekday business hours (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Stan Sheriff Center box office, or via telephone at 944-BOWS or online at www.etickethawaii.com.
NOTES: According to the Los Angeles Times, news crews covering the Lakers are expected to include CNN, Fox Sports, NBC News and the syndicated television shows "Extra" and "Inside Edition." ... The Chicago Tribune reported today that Phil Jackson was in Eagle, Colo., on the same night that Bryant allegedly sexually assaulted a hotel employee there. "Unbeknownst to me, he was just six miles down the road," Jackson said. "We weren't aware of the fact," said Jackson, who was on a motorcycle trip when he decided to stop and spend the night in Eagle.
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.
