Rookies' Take on Playoffs, Kobe, Drew & More
Posted: Tue May 8, 2012 10:08 pm

Goudelock on changes heading into playoffs:
Kobe's been more vocal with everybody. Telling people the game plan, where to be while in film sessions. Same with Pau and Drew. These guys definitely don't want to leave anything to chance, and I like the direction we're going in.
On filling the leadership void left by Fish:
Kobe has definitely spoken up more, but it's been a collective effort from everybody. Pau is speaking up, and so are Metta (World Peace) and Matt (Barnes). They do what they need to do to keep us together.
On misconception of MWP & Drew's personalities:
He just looks out for us. Being around all these guys, we're a close group, so when we hear someone talking it's like someone talking about your brother... And then Metta, he was the first person to come and talk to me when nobody else was at the start of camp. The first one. People make judgments about him, but aside from Pau, he's probably the nicest guy on the team.
Morris on changes headings into playoffs:
There's definitely a seriousness, no more joking around; you just save it to the end of practice. Everybody has to be on board whether you're in the rotation or not, because there's always a chance you need to contribute
On KB's message at team dinner:
It was just that the season was cool, we overcame a lot, but our real job starts now, and that's trying to win a ring. So let this dinner be our last moments of fun being out and about, but we're all about to lock in after this. Just recognize what we have to do as a squad. And for us rookies, they're letting us know that previous championships weren't by luck or by chance. They come with a certain mindset.
On veteran teammates:
They seem unbreakable, and everyone in their own way. For Kobe maybe it's having a really bad shooting night but coming right back the next night; for Bynum, it's getting benched and then responding well. For Pau it's responding really well after all the trade rumors before the deadline. It's just all resolve, teaching guys like me that no matter what's going on, just be ready to bounce back and get after it.
http://www.nba.com/lakers/features/rook ... yoff-shift