2015 draft

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Lakers.com's Mike Trudell and Joey Ramirez break down L.A.'s Summer League run and new players. Tune in for early analysis on additions like D'Angelo Russell and Lou Williams.

You can also subscribe to the Popcorn Machine via iTunes.

0:25 - Lakers Team Up event at the Special Olympics World Games.

1:45 - D'Angelo Russell's Summer League performance. Expectations of the number two pick vs. the reality of Summer League. How Russell's game can translate to the senior squad and what should be expected once training camp starts.

8:05 - Does Trudell have a better jumper than Josh Duhamel and Joey Lawrence? That wasn't discussed but you can find out on August 7th.

8:20 - How successful was Julius Randle's Summer League campaign?

10:10 - Preview of the upcoming Gary Vitti article and note about Vitti talking with Randle over the summer about his recovery.

12:15 - Breaking down the offseason acquisitions of Lou Williams, Roy Hibbert and Brandon Bass.

21:28 - Kobe Bryant going forward. With #24 just three minutes behind Wilt Chamberlain for fourth most minutes ever played, what can be expected of the Lakers captain in his 20th season?

24:05 - The Greek coach adds a little competitive fire to the Special Olympics.

24:20 - Joey gets his Marvel reference in.

25:00 - Lakers lineup options with the current roster.

26:15 - What can D'Angelo Russell take from being Kobe Bryant's teammate? Is it on him to seek out Bryant's mentorship?

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Popcorn Machine: Summer Recap

Having just won the NBA’s “Best Live Call” award for the second time in three years, Lakers Spanish play-by-play broadcaster Adrian Garcia Marquez joined The Popcorn Machine to dish on his nicknames for the players, speaking Spanish with Kobe Bryant and more.

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Popcorn Machine: Adrian Garcia Marquez

Joey Ramirez

Lakers Summer League head coach Mark Madsen gives an inside look at the team heading to Las Vegas that includes rookie D'Angelo Russell as well as returning players Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Tarik Black.

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Popcorn Machine: Summer League Preview // Mark Madsen

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Photos: 2015 Draft Class Introduction

The second overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft, D'Angelo Russell, received his purple and gold jersey at the Lakers practice facility on Monday. Below is a transcript of his introductory press conference, including his thoughts on taking on the league's top guards and playing alongside Kobe Bryant.

Q: Opening statement:
Russell: It’s a blessing to be here. I was extremely shocked to be here. I didn’t think it was going to pan out the way it did. Now, like (Larry Nance and Anthony Brown) said, I’m ready to get to work.

Q: On his life since being drafted:
Russell: It’s slowed down a little bit, but I can still remember when I just graduated high school and (went) to college for a few months. Now I’m here for one of the best franchises ever. The ride has been crazy but blessed. I can’t complain at all.

Q: On previously saying he wants to play like the Showtime Lakers:
Russell: I really want to be known for working hard and then let the Showtime come along. (The Lakers) aren’t used to losing. This is one of the most winningest franchises ever, so the Showtime usually comes with winning. So when we can win games … that’s when it starts being fun.

Q: On what about being drafted by the Lakers surprised him:
Russell: Just the whole process. The process is what really surprised me. The cameras really gave it away. The cameras were right at me when the time ran out. I’m sitting in the green room. My dad and I were having a little chat with my family. Then the cameras came at me, and Adam Silver walked on the stage and said my name. I was just shocked. I wasn’t expecting to go so fast. But I’m not shocked to be here; just more shocked at the process.

Q: On whether he has already sensed the expectations being set for him.
Russell: Definitely. It’s a high pick. They’re not used to getting a top five pick, so the expectations are high. There are rumors, but I’m happy. My mentality is: “Learn from the best and just keep working and grinding.” So I’m not even worried about it.

Q: On if he’s spoken with Kobe Bryant yet:
Russell: I actually talked to him yesterday for the first time. He said he’s heard great things about me. My mentality’s really what separates me from a lot of guys. I just told him I’m a sponge. Whatever he’s willing to teach me, I’m willing to learn.

Q: On what he wants to learn from Bryant:
Russell: Everything. He’s one of the greatest. A lot of guys could sit here and say that, but I always knew he was one of the greatest to play the game. Just to get this honor to play with him is remarkable. I can’t really explain it.

Q: On how he feels after having the time to process being picked by the Lakers:
Russell: I feel like my emotions are still high. Every time I go back to think about what I’ve been through and where I’ve came from — and what my family’s been through also just trying to keep me down the right path — my emotions are still high. It hasn’t really set in for me. Every time I go look at an old picture or something like that, the emotions hit me. I can’t really put a nail on it.

Q: On playing under head coach Byron Scott:
Russell: I know he’s had a lot of success with his guards. So just talking from a personal standpoint, he’s a guard-oriented coach (and) a players’ coach. He knows what he’s talking about. He wouldn’t be here if he didn’t. He’s been around the top players to play the game. To be playing under a coach that has the knowledge and the credibility gives you an advantage.

Q: On his knack for putting spin on his passes:
Russell: Honestly, itt was just something that I grew up playing in the park. You start to find these little niches with the basketball. It was not something that I was taught. If you so, you would have seen it before (laughs). It’s just something that I grew up on.

Q: On what he wants to display at Summer League:
Russell: Whatever Coach needs me to do. I’ve always been a guy that feels like he can adjust to whatever situation. If it’s me playing off the ball (or) me creating for guys and that being my only role, I’m up for the challenge. I know that guys stick around in this league for having multiple things that they do (well), but that one thing that they do great helps them stick to a team.

Q: On the Lakers’ young core:
Russell: The growth that these guys put together with the pieces — us three and then the other younger guys they have to really build around Kobe, (who) you don’t really know how much he has. But the pieces that we can be to help get this show back on the road is something that I can’t really explain, but I definitely want to be a part of that. It’s a program that’s not used to losing. To have the honor to be here and know that you’re one of these valuable pieces that’s trying to get this show back on the road is a good feeling.

Q: On playing alongside Jordan Clarkson:
Russell: I’ve watched over time. I’m a guy that can play with anybody. Everybody’s talked about Clarkson and me playing over each other. If that’s Coach’s decision, that’s his decision, but I’m a guy that can play with anybody and make the best out of it.

Q: On whether he considers his strength as a point guard:
Russell: I consider myself a basketball player. If that’s me playing off the ball or being that main facilitator to get guys involved, I’m willing to do it if it’s evenly balanced.

Q: On how if he considers himself one of the top athletes in the draft:
Russell: I consider myself the top basketball player in the draft. If that’s me being the most athletic guy or non-athletic, I’m gonna get the job done.

Q: On Scott comparing him to Magic Johnson:
Russell: He’s a great, but I’m honest with myself. I’m not the basketball player that he is. That’s something I’m working to become. But for him to say that, he sees the potential. But I can’t get too high off that (and) I can’t get too low if he said I was somebody else. I’m still taking it into consideration and just keep working.

Q: On whether he has spoken with Bryant yet:
Russell: I actually got to talk to him yesterday for the first time over the phone. He was working out, and he said he would call back. He called back and was just talking about the good things he’s heard about me. I just wanted to let him know that I’m a sponge. And I really want to know if he’s able to take me under his wing and be a mentor toward me and show me the ins and outs of this league; to be successful and stick around. That’s the main thing that I got from our message.

Q: On his first impressions of Los Angeles:
Russell: I’ve just started to come to the West Coast. I’m not from this side, but I can’t complain. The weather’s great. I know everybody lives here, and everybody wants to be here. Just the opportunity to say this is home is a blessing.

Q: On his mind set preparing to face point guards like Chris Paul, Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook:
Russell: Those guys I’ve been growing up watching for the longest (time). I know the first go-around playing those guys will (give me) a great feel; just trying to gain an edge the best way I can. Then the second run, I’ll have a better feel for it playing them for a second time. I’m just really trying to prepare for it the best way I can. Prepare for it in practice, so when I get to it in the game it won’t be something brand new for me.

Q: On what he wants to learn from Bryant:
Russell: Playing with a guy like Kobe, watching him develop and watching him in interviews and more like off-the-court business (and) the way he carries himself. He just gives you better knowledge of the business-like approach you have to have. It just came second-nature toward me. … I feel like it separated me a lot. (I have) God-given talent and the blessings He gave me, but my edge is I’ve always been a guy that was overlooked. So I respect my work ethic and where I came from to get to this point. So the edge on my shoulders is bigger.

Q: On being part of the Lakers’ young core:
Russell: It’s a building piece. The development and skill development that the coaches are taking upon themselves and the youth that we have on this team, I feel will go together. The more chemistry that we build on and off the floor will help us grow together.

Q: On his approach against the league’s best guards:
Russell:  Going against some of the top guards every night, you can’t feel like you’re quicker than somebody that you’re not quicker than. You can’t feel like you’re stronger than somebody you’re not stronger than. I feel like it’s all about gaining that edge. What do I do better than that guard? What’s my advantage?

Q: On his impression of Clarkson:
Russell: I watched him in college a lot, not really in the NBA. I know he’s an explosive guard. He’s fast. He’s bigger than most guards. I look at it more as, he’s a guy that I can definitely play with. He’s versatile also. He can play off the ball, with the ball. I think it gives us the advantage to be young and (able) to go together.

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Introductory Press Conference: D'Angelo Russell

After being selected by the Lakers with the 34th pick in the NBA Draft, Antony Brown was formally introduced as a member of the purple and gold on Monday. At his introductory press conference, Brown dished on growing up a Lakers fan, playing with Kobe Bryant and more.

Q: Opening statement:
Brown: I’m blessed to be here and really excited to be a Laker. I can’t wait to get to work.

Q: On growing up a Lakers fan in Orange County:
Brown: I’m definitely going to teach (the other rookies) a little bit about the history of the Lakers. Growing up a Lakers fan, it’s surreal to me. I can remember watching the games on KCAL9. I vividly remember watching in 2000 against the Sixers. Just to be in this gym right now is definitely a blessing. I can honestly say that there comes a lot of pride with a Lakers jersey, and I’m definitely ready to represent in the right way.

Q: On playing under head coach Byron Scott:
Brown: I believe Byron Scott’s a defensive-minded coach. He’s been around some of the greatest players ever: Kobe (Bryant) and Magic (Johnson) just to name a few. He’s definitely well-respected in the community, and I can’t wait to work for him.

Q: On how he felt when he was drafted by the Lakers:
Brown: For me, it was a shock. There was nothing that led me to believe that the Lakers would select me. I had a bunch of workouts, and I just wanted to do as well as I can in all of them. It was almost like a dream for me. Being a Lakers fan and having them select you — I felt like I was dreaming.

Q: On what he wants to display in Summer League:
Brown: Just being able to space the floor; compete on the defensive end; be a high-IQ guy; whatever coach needs. But definitely be an unselfish teammate.

Q: On what it was like having Bryant at his pre-draft workout:
Brown: I know when he walked in the gym, I felt his presence. I didn’t see him, but Kobe was sitting over there. I definitely wanted to, like I always do, play as hard as I can (and) show that I compete to the highest level. That’s what Kobe does. Other than that, I didn’t go through my workout any different. But I did feel Kobe’s presence when he walked in the gym. He’s one of the greatest players of all time.

Q: On whether he considers himself more polished than the younger players coming into the league:
Brown: I definitely feel that I’m a lot more mature than a lot of younger guys. I have the ability to pick up concepts really quick. That definitely benefits me. Other than that, not too much.

Q: On being part of the Lakers’ young core:
Brown: Being part of this core is definitely important. We’re all young, eager and ready to get to work; ready for the challenges. I also got a text from Tarik (Black). That means a lot. That means that this is a family, and we’re ready to compete.

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Introductory Press Conference: Anthony Brown

The 27th pick of the NBA Draft, Larry Nance, Jr., got his first taste of Los Angeles during his press conference on Monday. After General Manager Mitch Kupchak introduced him at the Lakers practice facility, Nance took questions from the assembled media:

Q: Opening statement:
Nance: We went through a six-week process of flying throughout the U.S. and working out for other teams, but I can truly say there’s not one place that I’d rather be than here today. I just want to thank you all for coming out, and go Lakers.

Q: On being with the Lakers, and how his dad, Larry Sr., reacted as a former pro:
Nance: I’m ecstatic to be here, obviously. I think on Draft Night, my dad kind of looked at me and said, “Well, you’re now the enemy.” He was a Phoenix Sun for seven years, so I didn’t get to see them, but I’m sure he had some pretty good battles against the Lakers. It’s been a whirlwind, and I’m just so happy to be here. I can’t even put it into words.

Q: On playing for head coach Byron Scott:
Nance: The two major things I’ve heard is — No. 1: defense — and No. 2: the effort that you’re expected to put in every day. Through college I’ve learned a lot about that, with defense especially. I’ve always been excited to work and get better, and I just can’t wait to learn as much as I possibly can from a great basketball mind.

Q: On being drafted by the Lakers:
Nance: It’s been like a dream. Coming into this process, it was kind of funny to hear my name called. Just to hear it called by probably the best franchise in sports history and to work out in this gym and look up to see (the championship trophies) in the windows. It’s a surreal feeling. I didn’t necessarily have any inclination that I was going to end up here, but when I heard my name called with the 27th pick, it was just a dream come true.

Q: On whether growing up with a father in the NBA gives him any advantages:
Nance: I do believe so. I’m not the first member of my family going through this process. Going through this, any questions I have, my dad’s been through it. He’s going to have the best advice I could possibly ask for. I have to credit him for a lot … but mainly basketball IQ. He’s taught me a whole lot. I’ve studied his old black-and-white VHS tapes on the old TV, so I just hope to keep learning from him.

Q: On Kobe Bryant’s reaction to an inflammatory tweet that Nance sent out in 2012:
Nance: I apologized to him. It was definitely something that I wish I could take back. Like he said, it’s water under the bridge, and I really appreciate that he took the high road on it.

Q: On how important it was to get past the aftermath of the tweet:
Nance: When I heard my name called with the 27th pick, it was about two minutes until I found out about that. About 24 hours went past when I felt like I was going to throw up, sick to my stomach. I  was just embarrassed in myself. I felt so bad about what I said. I just wanted to apologize to him right away. Once I got his number, I made sure to write the best message I possibly could and send it to him. Once I got (a text from him): “Hey, you’re a kid. We’ve all said and done things we’ve regretted. It’s water under the bridge. Welcome to the family.” I immediately felt my stomach release. There was a big knot, and it was definitely something I’ll learn from. Now I just need to make it up to you guys and the Lakers fans.

Q: On whether he was afraid of what Bryant might say:
Nance: Terrified. You hear all the stories about how Mr. Bryant is so intense and just always on edge. I was just nervous to send a long message and maybe just get an “OK,” or not a response at all.  I’m just so glad he handled that in the manner that he did, because I could still be up here right now with a knot in my stomach. But he did a terrific job, and I just can’t thank him enough for forgiving me.

Q: On what he wants to display at Summer League:
Nance: I really just hope to give my energy on the court. Give 100 percent all play and every play. Be as athletic as I possibly can, play with a high IQ and win. That’s No. 1: win.

Q: On his first impressions of Los Angeles:
Nance: I’m from Ohio, so I’ve only been out here for three days. I’m actually looking forward to getting rid of winter. That’s going to be fun. Everybody wants to be in California. It always sounds like a fun time. It always seems like everybody’s just happy. I’m just hoping to experience part of that.

Q: On whether he considers himself more polished than the younger players coming into the league:
Nance: After playing four years of college and learning as much as I could. … I feel like I’m ready and eager to learn and play. Definitely maturity is a factor with these guys coming out here. But that’s the advantage with four-year guys. We were able to work a lot, and we’ve seen a little bit more.

Q: On whether he was 100 percent recovered from his 2014 ACL tear during this college season:
Nance: It was something that I had to get over more mentally than physically. I was probably back physically in the beginning of the year, but it takes a little bit of time before you fall and don’t immediately think, “Oh, something’s torn.” Now I feel like I’m getting better at it. I’m ready to just take the next step, completely erasing it from my mind.

Q: On being part of the Lakers' young core:
Nance: The day after I got picked, I got a text from one of my teammates, Tarik (Black), and he said, "We're a young, eager group ready to restore this franchise to where it once was." I think that kind of sums it up. These guys are ready. ... I'm just excited to play a piece in that project. It's going tough. It's going to be a long road. It's going to take a lot of work. But I know the three of us are (ready), and the guys in the locker room are more than ready and willing to.