Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
July 11, 2001

During the 2000-01 season, George averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds. (Allsport)

L.A. Lakers forward Devean George stopped by to chat about winning the 2000-01 NBA Championship, playing with Shaq and Kobe and his participation in the DADA Summer Pro League.

A 1999 first round draft pick, George has been working to increase his production. During the 2000-01 season, he averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds while playing 10.1 minutes. He attempted a career high 13 shots against Sacramento (3/28) and had career highs in rebounds (9) and assists (4) against Phoenix (4/10).

The DADA Summer Pro League is in its 32nd year and is the country's premier summer professional basketball league. The games take place at The Pyramid on the campus of Cal State Long Beach.

For more information about the Summer Pro League, check out www.summerproleague.com.

Devean George: Hello to everyone! Thanks for logging in today!

Question: Who has been your biggest influence in both basketball and life?

Devean George: Probably my parents. They worked hard, worked long hours, every day. That taught me that you can get what you want with hard work.

Question: When did you decide you wanted to make basketball your career?

Devean George: Probably my sophomore year in college. It was a lost dream that came back alive then.

Question: Who has taught you the most on the court?

Devean George: My older brother. I followed him to the gym, watched him and tried to do what he did. That is the one person I learned the most from.

Question: Devean I want to know if you are single?

Devean George: No, I am not.

Question: What player did you idolize the most as a kid?

Devean George: Probably Scottie Pippen. His all around game was great. He plays defense, can score.. he has many skills.

Question: Do you see yourself playing a larger roll in the Laker offense next year?

Devean George: I do see myself playing a bigger role. I am looking forward to this next season.

Question: How competitive will the NBA Summer League be which you will be playing in?

Devean George: It is very competitive. A lot of guys are competing for jobs. They are out there trying to impress scouts. That makes it competitive.

Question: Do you get to decide to play in the Summer Pro League? Or are you assigned by the NBA squad for "developmental reasons"?

Devean George: It is optional. But I wanted to continue to get better so I play in it.

Question: What one thing do you hope to gain or improve through the Summer Pro League?

Devean George: My guard skills and decision making with the ball. Making plays.

Question: What do you think you need to work on the most to take it to the "next level"?

Devean George: Becoming a big guard. It is something you have to put time in for and work hard at. It doesn't come easy.

Question: What do you feel is the strength of your game?

Devean George: My versatility and being able to do many things. I can drive, play defense, play inside and outside. Now I have to fine tune it and get it together.

Question: Was it hard adjusting your game from college to the pros?

Devean George: Obviously the players are much better. That is one thing to adjust to - the speed and quickness. But once you adjust to that the transition is easy.

Question: Describe what it was like winning The NBA Championship as a player on the Lakers?

Devean George: The first one was a great experience and I felt lucky. There are a lot of great players who have never had the chance to even get to the Championship games. I felt lucky and blessed. The second one was even better!

Question: Maddog showed a lot of intensity when got playing time last year! Is he always so riled up?

Devean George: Every day! Every minute of practice!

Question: What do you do in the offseason for fun?

Devean George: Usually hang out with my family. I go home and hang with my college friends. Barbecues, family gatherings, that kind of thing.

Question: Do you have any superstitions before you play or just in life?

Devean George: Not really. I have a few rituals I do before the game. I go out and shoot at the same time, put my uniform on the same way. Simple things like that.

Question: Do you think with the Clippers adding so much more talent to their team, that this will start to become a top rivalry for you guys?

Devean George: It has always been a rivalry. They are getting better each year and will continue to get better as the young talent gets older.

Question: Do you think the NBA should allow high schoolers to skip college for the pros?

Devean George: I think so. I don't know why it is a big deal for the NBA. Many baseball, hockey, tennis players all come out right away. I don't think the number in the NBA is as great as in the other sports.

Question: What advice would you give a high schooler about skipping college for the pros?

Devean George: I would tell them to make sure they know the situation. If things don't go like the agent says it will, it could be a disaster. Don't make the NBA as a guaranteed option. Have college as a backup if you can.

Devean George: Sorry but the bus is leaving now and I have to get on it with the rest of the team. I really appreciate your questions and I hope to see you at the Summer Pro League games and the Lakers game. Thanks again.