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Lakers GM: Team will have mental edge in NBA's Disney bubble

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Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka believes his squad is well equipped to handle the hurdles that come its way during the NBA's unprecedented bubble setup at Walt Disney World Resort.

"I think Orlando itself is going to be as much of a mental test as it is a physical test just because of the extraordinary circumstances there," Pelinka told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

"I think a team like ours, that has such a strong togetherness component, will have an advantage at that part," he continued. "This team of guys love being together and love playing together. I think that's the significant part of the (first) 63 games."

To help the team's personnel deal with the extended time they'll be away from their families - players are reportedly allowed to have guests on-site following the first round of the playoffs - Pelinka says the Lakers have consulted with mental wellness professionals.

Potentially partaking in yoga and meditation are some of the ideas that have been discussed, the executive told McMenamin.

"We have put a ton of thought into the mental part of this journey," Pelinka added. "... And I think the mental component might even be more paramount."

When the season was suspended on March 11, the Lakers sat atop the Western Conference with a 49-14 record.

Los Angeles will travel to Orlando ahead of training camp on July 9, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. Three weeks later, the Lakers will face their crosstown rival, the Los Angeles Clippers, on the opening night of the season's restart on July 30.

The Lakers' eight-game schedule for the remainder of the regular season can be viewed here.

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