On any other day, the big news around the Lakers’ training facility would have been the presence of the Dodgers, who were there to watch today’s workout. But on this day, the buzz in El Segundo revolved around the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Lakers coach Phil Jackson pushed back the start of practice, to 11 a.m., so the players and staff could watch the ceremonies on television.
“We had a late practice today because I wanted to give these guys an opportunity to see it, and witness his speech, which I thought was outstanding,” Jackson said. “It was unifying. Maybe as historic an event as when I was a kid in 1960, when JFK became President. i think it was as dramatic.”