After Thursday’s practice, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel summarized what the team is attempting to focus on as the entire franchise grieves the loss of Kobe Bryant.
“We’re concentrating on the work,” he said. “There’s therapy in the work. Our whole belief since I got here is that we’re just going to put our heads down, roll our sleeves up and grind, and do the job.”
Sure enough, after four days away from the arena, L.A. will take on Portland in what will be an incredible emotional evening at Staples Center.
And as Vogel spoke, I immediately thought of something Kobe said when I interviewed him ahead of his 2017 jersey retirement ceremony.