Below is an email exchange with Lakers assistant coach Quin Snyder, a former head coach with the University of Missouri. This is the second of a three-part Q&A with Snyder.

You’ve developed a reputation for quickly developing players. How do you do that?

Development is generally thought of in the context of skills and physical maturity. But there are probably more players that face the challenge of developing as competitors and teammates. Players know when coaches are vested in their success, and helping their overall development is definitely something that I enjoy. As a college coach, it is obvious college players need to get better. And what I found in both the D-League and in the NBA is that players always want to get better.

Are there any examples?

When I coached the Austin Toros (the San Antonio Spurs' D-League team) we led the D-League in call-ups. One of our players got called up at 8 a.m. on the day of a game. He gave me a call and said, ‘Coach, I’m getting called up to the NBA.’ Those are great moments.

I think that point when players know that you really care about them and that you’re able to say difficult things to them as well, and be truthful, that to me is probably the cornerstone of developing players. 

This continues a series of Q&As with members of Mike Brown's coaching staff.

Below is an email exchange with Lakers assistant coach Quin Snyder, former head coach with the University of Missouri. This is the first of a three-part Q&A with Snyder.

During your interview with Brown, what points did you emphasize?

I wanted to show him that I could fill any need on the staff, whether it’s on the side of player development, scouting, game preparation or execution in practice.  An assistant coach has to wear a lot of hats, but our primary job is to support the head coach and the players.  You have to be prepared to do that in any given situation.  

How did sell yourself in the job interview?

I brought plenty of examples of things that I have done, everything from scouting reports, game preparation and hundreds of practice plans that I made when I was a head coach. I also showed him my pick and roll analysis. I think pick and roll offense and defense are fundamentally important in the NBA. It’s something I wrote an article on a while ago in FIBA Assist Magazine. I wanted to show him that and emphasize it, because of the high percentage of possessions that have pick and roll in them.

I also had examples of philosophical things that I felt both about offense and defense. The fact that I have opinions was something that I wanted him to know, and that I would be willing to offer my opinion and defend it even when there was disagreement. To do that in the right kind of way will hopefully add value. I wanted him to know that I was serious and really wanted the job and maybe that was the biggest thing.

What role does Brown want you to take on his coaching staff?

Both players' roles and coaches' roles evolve. As Coach Brown learns where certain coaches have strengths, what they gravitate toward, or what the needs of the team are, those roles will evolve. So many things can influence one’s role for both players and coaches, such as off-season signings, injuries or different match-ups. I think I’m prepared for any role. Coach Brown will decide which ones make more sense.

This is the first post  in an occasional series of Q&As with Lakers forward Pau Gasol, who will play in the FIBA European Championships beginning Wednesday in Lithuania for the Spanish national team. Below is his email exchange with The Times. 

What's your overall outlook on the European Championships?

I do think we have a great collection of talent, but there are great teams here. Whether it is the best collection or not, I am not the one who should judge. I know we are the defending champion; it will be very hard to win it again.

How would you compare playing with your brother, Marc, and fellow countrymen on the Spanish national team to playing for the Lakers?

It is different to play with the national team. It is a short period of time and it is more intense. And all the competition, being shorter, means a lot, so every single game counts a lot. Playing for the Lakers means a lot to me too; It's hard to compare both experiences.

Being a part of the Lakers makes me feel proud, and all the teammates feel the same. Playing with my brother Marc and with my very good friend Navarro is a very good experience and something that I really enjoy doing because we know each other so much that is very rewarding.

Do you feel like you have anything to prove given the way the Lakers' postseason ended? 

I do not think there's anything to prove on my side. Last season we didn't perform during the playoffs as we were supposed to. But people do not forget our previous championships. You cannot win every year, there are a lot of very good teams in the league. That will give more value to our previous championships. I don't think I have to prove anything but of course I want our national team to win the championship.

What are your plans if the NBA lockout persists?

I have not been thinking about that yet, although I follow all the negotiations. As far as now, I see the situation has not changed much. I am optimistic that there will be an agreement and the lockout could end soon. I will think about everything when it will be the moment to do so. As far as now, I am focused on the European Championship.

RELATED:

Pau Gasol should benefit from European Championships

Pau Gasol wants to play for Spain

FIBA European Championships to be broadcast on ESPN3.com

--Ben Bolch

Photo: Spain's Pau Gasol, left, drives around Darius Songaila of Lithuania during a friendly match on Aug. 18. The Lakers forward could be spending a lot of time in Europe if NBA labor negotiations fail to lift the lockout before the scheduled start of the season. Credit: Valda Kalnina / EPA

In case you missed Lance Pugmire's question-and-answer session with Lakers center Andrew Bynum, the following is a sample of what the young giant had to say about last season's four-game flameout to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference playoffs.

Question: You've had time to reflect on last season; what are your thoughts?

Answer: We got embarrassed and we all need to come back focused, ready to win. You lose 4-0, there's not much more to be said. I was the first one to admit we didn't work hard enough to win. Let's tell the truth. It was due to a myriad of reasons -- our collective drive and determination. It's about being accountable. Me included. Everyone included.

Not a bad opening salvo before training camp. Here's the entire interview.

--Dan Loumena

Photo: Andrew Bynum runs sprints during a training session at UCLA on Friday. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

This is the first post  in an occasional series of Q&As with a member of Mike Brown's coaching staff. Below is an email exchange with Lakers assistant coach Chuck Person, facilitated through the Lakers' media relations staff. 

During your interview with Coach Brown, what points did you emphasize to him and what questions did he want to know from you?

"The hiring was pretty much immediate because of the relationship I had with Mike working with him in Indiana under Rick Carlisle. He asked me if I wanted to be here and I told him yes because I like the Lakers organization, what this team’s about and what type of players we have moving forward to try to win a championship again in the future."

What was your overall approach to the interview in terms of selling yourself?

"It wasn’t a matter of me selling myself because our philosophies are similar both offensively and defensively. I know what Mike Brown’s approach is to game planning and implementing his system because of his days in San Antonio. Then we worked together in Indiana, so I am familiar with his approach and I can continue to carry those things on while working for him."

What responsibilities has Brown assigned to you? This can range from any opponents he’s put you in charge of scouting or certain team responsibilities. What’s your overall philosophy on those areas you’re going to oversee?

"It will be different from what Phil [Jackson] had us do. Phil gave us each certain teams to scout, where Mike has us each learn the entire league. Our scouting responsibilities will be on a game-by-game basis, we’ll just rotate it that way. In terms of personal assignments, we are just going to coach the team. All coaches are required to know both sides of the ball; obviously we have our different strengths we bring to the table. My strength is on the defensive side of the ball. The system we are going to implement will be similar to last season because it’s a system I learned from Mike Brown. So there won’t be much change in the defensive philosophy."