The Lakers yesterday announced that their new practice facility will be called the UCLA Health Training Center, and the team expects it to be "completed by next summer," according to Jesse Dougherty of the L.A. TIMES. The new facility, which is a "few blocks from the team's current facility," will have a "full medical staff from UCLA and the Lakers' basketball operations staff." Perks at the new facility will include a "bigger practice area and weight room, plus a 15-person cold tub" (L.A. TIMES, 9/1). In California, Megan Barnes notes some other features of the new facility include "cryogenic therapy chambers, an underwater treadmill, whirlpools and a nutrition-focused kitchen." A movie theater "will allow coaches and players to scrutinize playbacks" and a "retractable divider will separate two full-size courts, including a 'fan-centric' exhibition court with 750 seats." A Lakers team store also is planned for the new facility. Barnes notes for the past 16 years, the Lakers have "leased practice space two blocks away at the Toyota Center." But the new complex "will be three times as large, put all basketball and business operations under one roof and offer players cutting-edge training facilities and amenities." Lakers COO Tim Harris said, "What we learned early on ... was that UCLA Health is an innovative, forward-thinking organization." UCLA Health CEO John Mazziotta said the deal will enable both organizations "an unparalleled ability to share the message of health and fitness to a broad and diverse audience" (Torrance DAILY BREEZE, 9/1). Also in California, Bill Oram notes at 120,000 square feet, the new facility "gives the Lakers three times more space -- and an additional practice court -- than they have at their current location." In addition to naming rights, UCLA Health will be the "official in-game medical provider of the Lakers and will be on hand daily at the new training center" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 9/1).
