The Los Angeles Lakers head into the 2018-19 season with a completely new look - most notably, #23 LeBron James. In addition to the four-time NBA MVP, the Lakers brought in a group of veterans that includes NBA champions Rajon Rondo and JaVale McGee, as well as Michael Beasley and LeBron's former foe, Lance Stephenson. Or, as LeBron James nicknamed them, "MUD."
As part of the Lakers' Media Day yesterday, Rondo, McGee, Beasley and Lance posed for a photo together in their new digs and the pic quickly made its way to Stephenson's IG account, where he asked his fans, "Name this unit?" Over 7,000 people commented on the post, including LeBron, who explained their new nickname - Misunderstood, Under-appreciated, & Determined.
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LeBron was obviously the focal point of yesterday's media session, as it was the first time he had spoken to Los Angeles media since signing with the Lakers as a free agent in July. He brushed off any questions about his off-court endeavors being a "distraction" in the upcoming season and said that his decision to move to L.A. "was based solely on my family and the Lakers."
"My decision was based solely on my family and the Lakers," James said.
"I'm a basketball player. I play ball. That's what I do. As far as my business is concerned, that stuff has been taking care of itself long before I came out here."
The Lakers will open their season with a road game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 18, followed by their home-opener against the Houston Rockets on the 20th.
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