Phil, no question a political animal, kept his electoral thoughts close to the vest, but did indicate that the US ought to consider one big tweak to the voting process:  "This is an event that's a national event.  The only thing I don't like about it is a lot of countries take the day off so people can go vote.  Our country has to start thinking about the importance to give the days off so that people can actually have a holiday and take their time to vote, and not have to squeeze it in between lunch and everything else."

Except, of course, his guys.

"They're off every day.  They only work a couple of hours."

Derek Fisher, the man Lamar Odom unequivocally said would make the best president among current Lakers, has played an active role in the election, campaigning on behalf of Barack Obama this offseason in Montana.  While it's pretty clear which direction he was leaning, both publicly and in the locker room ("I think we have a high number of people that are rolling with me," he said with a smile), Fish was very gracious in describing the value of the process.  "It's been a fun.  I'm hopeful that tomorrow's results will be legitimate and actual, and that no matter who's President, everyone in our country can get behind him and push him in the way that we're going to need to be pushed in terms of getting our country back on track." 

More players, Fish says, are getting involved in politics, taking an interest.  "We have a very young league.  It's transitioned a lot in recent years.  When Kobe and I came into the league in the late 90s, you had a higher number of veteran players, a lot of guys that had probably voted in two or three elections in the past.  Now you have a league with guys who are just turning 21 and this is their first go round, and this is their first go round at having an opportunity to have their voice heard.  It's been exciting, and hopefully the election results are not the end of the discussion, though.  No matter who's president, there's still a lot to talk about."

Just to drive the point home, when asked about his chance to vote Tuesday, Andrew Bynum, the aforementioned recent 21'er, smiled, his eyes wide.  "Yeah," he said, letting us know he'll be hitting his local polling spot with enthusiasm tomorrow... and just hopes the line isn't too long.

In other news...

The Trade: No big comments from the Lakers on the AI/Billups deal. Asked about it, LO pointed to his practice jersey.  "this is the only team I'm concerned about.  For real."  Fish didn't have much to offer, and neither did Kobe.  PJ came through with a couple thoughts, though.  "It'll change us up over here a little in the west.  Chauncey's at a position where he's still got a couple years left on the contract that'll guarantee him being in Denver," he said.  "They've got two guys coming back that know the territory and are veterans that could help their younger players.  I'm just trying to see how Allen fits in over there in Detroit, if he's going to come off the bench, or what.  They like this kid Stuckey that's a point guard for them and has improved a lot for them.  He's a real good prospect, and is probably going to have a bigger role."

The Layoff: Most of the guys indicated they'd just as soon be playing rather than practicing this week.  PJ said he worked them hard Monday, generating a game-like intensity, just so the guys don't lose the rhythm built up during the first week of the season.  Still, it's a time they'll use to continue working on defensive execution and grow increasingly comfortable on the other end.

Check back later for practice video and audio, including a great clip from Fish talking about what he learned on the campaign trail, and the increased interest in politics among players in the Association.

AUDIO:

• Andrew Bynum (turn up your volume- he's in soft talkin' mode): Download andrew_bynum_on_shoulder_voting.mp3  
  
• Derek Fisher: Download derek_fisher_on_election_political_participation.mp3
• Phil Jackson: Download phil_on_trade_layoff.mp3

BK