The Los Angeles Lakers will defend their NBA title with a team that looks better than last year’s squad. If Andrew Bynum can stay out of his own way, and Ron Artest falls into line like Kobe and Phil want him to, they’ll represent the West in the NBA Finals.

Phil Jackson knows repeating is difficult and he’s laid out a couple of plans to get the team ready. He wants to familiarize Ron-Ron with his new environment and to limit the players use of social networking sites.

From the Whittier Daily News:

“We want to try and make this transition for Ron Artest seamless, get our players playing at a level that they can approximate the chemistry they’ve had in the past and get some of our players in condition, like Lamar (Odom), who’s been busy all summer.”

“There’s a certain amount of privacy we’re going to have to demand from them, so that our business doesn’t become street business. I think that’s where the distinction has to be made. These guys are professionals, and I think they’ll understand that.

**UPDATE**
Phil Jackson video:

Nice subtle “Lamar Odom has gotten fat” line from Phil. And Sorry Laker fans but Ron Artest is gonna miss a couple of weeks to start the season. He’ll be in rehab for Youtube, Twitter, and attention addiction.

LAKERS: Jackson eager to tell players it’s time to get down to work [Whittier Daily News]