On a recent episode of The Lake Lake Show podcast, Lakers Assistant Coach Phil Handy discussed all the NBA superstars that he’s worked with throughout his career. To date, Handy has worked with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis. This has been through his two spells with the Lakers (2011-13, 2019-present), the Cleveland Cavaliers (2013-18), and with the Toronto Raptors (2018-19). He won 2 NBA Championships, with the Cavaliers in 2016 and with the Raptors in 2019.
“They all have different games.. but their methods are the same. In that, how they work. They’re very consistent in their work and they’re very committed to their work. Every day you see the similarities in how they approach taking care of their bodies. Their food. Getting rest. What they do on-and-off the court is at the highest level. They don’t skip corners. They don’t skip details and they really try and maximize everything they’re doing to where they can be the best athletes out there. That’s their drive and their motivation is to be one of the best. They do all of those things necessary to do that, and you see that in the results that come out when they play and when they step out on the floor. That’s why they’re so successful.”
Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis Similarities:
Another question on the podcast episode presented Handy to talk about the similarities between Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis. In terms of both players being traded to teams who propelled championship contention following their arrival. Leonard was traded from the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors in 2018. While Anthony Davis swapped the New Orleans Pelicans for the Lakers this past off-season. Handy was on the coaching staff of both teams when the trades occurred.
“AD’s a very selfless guy. He’s very much into the team and so is Kawhi. Those guys are all about trying to win. Obviously AD hasn’t had the opportunity to compete for a championship yet, but that’s what he wants. His approach has been, hey coach, teammates, whatever you guys need me to do to help us win I’m going to do it. Kawhi carries that same attitude and approach. For guys being able to step into a new franchise with new teammates, it’s a great thing to see them come in with the mindset of whatever it takes. They’re both similar in that. They just try and give everything they have to the team, every night they step on the floor.”
Check out the full episode of Phil Handy on The Lake Lake Show below. Additional topics include his first spell with the Lakers (2011-13), the difficulty in leaving Toronto after the Raptors’ title-winning season. As well as Kyle Kuzma, and much more.
