GETTING INSIDE
The Los Angeles Lakers brought back guard Derek Fisher and re-signed forward Luke Walton this offseason, but they hope re-signing center Chris Mihm turns out to be a subtly important move, too. Mihm signed a two-year contract, with the second season at his option.
Mihm, 28, could be viewed as merely the Los Angeles Lakers' third-string center, a job filled by power forward Ronny Turiaf last season when Mihm missed the whole season after reconstructive ankle surgery. But Mihm has a pedigree; he was the Los Angeles Lakers' best interior scorer in the triangle offense in the 2005-06 season before hurting his ankle just before the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Lakers missed Mihm in their 2006 playoff series with Phoenix, employing an inside-attack strategy with Kwame Brown and Lamar Odom but losing in seven games. Mihm had his career-best season in 2005-06 with averages of 10.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 26.1 minutes.
Mihm said his right ankle "feels great" now. He probably won't be full strength for training camp in October, but the Los Angeles Lakers will need him more if Brown isn't full strength, either, after offseason surgeries to his ankle and shoulder.
It also remains possible that the Los Angeles Lakers will trade Brown, entering the last season of his contract, or young Andrew Bynum, who is coveted by some other general managers.
Mihm re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers after going through workouts for Chicago, Phoenix, Memphis, Philadelphia and Cleveland. He said he probably turned down more money to return to a comfortable situation.
NOTES, QUOTES
—Kobe Bryant has impressed many observers with his defense this summer while playing for USA Basketball, showcasing rediscovered quickness after losing about 20 pounds.
—Butch van Breda Kolff, who coached the Los Angeles Lakers in 1967-69, died at the age of 84. The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals both years while he was their coach.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Just resting my old bones." — Kobe Bryant's response to possibly being injured and going for ice treatment in the locker room the second half of Team USA's game Aug. 29.
ROSTER REPORT
DRAFT PICKS:
—Javaris Crittenton, 6-5, point guard, Georgia Tech. Drafted 19th overall, the Los Angeles Lakers didn't necessarily want another young guard, but thought the top 2006 prep point guard was too good to pass up as a developmental project.
—Sun Yue, 6-8, small forward, China. With the No. 40 pick acquired a year ago from Charlotte for Jumaine Jones, the Los Angeles Lakers took a shot at a talented Boris Diaw-type whom they saw frequently while Sun played in Southern California in the ABA.
—Marc Gasol, 7-1, center, Spain. Brother of Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Pau Gasol, Marc is a bulkier, less skilled player whom the Los Angeles Lakers might let play for Real Madrid and wait a year to bring to the NBA after picking him 48th overall.
FREE AGENT FOCUS: The Los Angeles Lakers re-signed Luke Walton, which was their top priority, and agreed to terms with Derek Fisher to give them a more dependable ball-handling guard. The Los Angeles Lakers also re-signed center Chris Mihm, who missed all of last season with an ankle injury, to offer depth behind green Andrew Bynum and injury-prone Kwame Brown.
PLAYER NOTES:
—G Derek Fisher, having returned to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, threw out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 14.
—C Larry Turner was signed to a make-good contract Aug. 22; Turner is 6-foot-11 and out of Tennessee State and, like Coby Karl, was solid for the Los Angeles Lakers' summer-league team.
—F Sun Yue, one of the Los Angeles Lakers' second-round picks, will put off trying out for the Los Angeles Lakers until at least next year after discussions with Los Angeles Lakers management.
See more at www.usatoday.com
