I knew DL had put an emphasis on developing a top tier organization including infrastructure and coaching. Everyone has a cap. It's the other things that set top organizations apart from the rest. It's always good to get reinforcement of just how good in comparison to other teams the kings really are.
"“Like I said, when I came here, this weight room [at the Toyota Sports Center] was a joke, and two, I want money for development,” said Lombardi. “I don’t really care how much you spend on the payroll right now, and he was kind of shocked about that. I said that this ain’t about the payroll. You’ve got to invest in player development and drafting. That’s where you’re short here. He said, ‘OK,’ and he stuck with it.”
“Whether it’s the plane, or the way he takes care of the wives [and families] during the playoffs, or what do you need to be the best here? Well, let’s get the sunlight in [the still-under-renovation weight room at the Toyota Sports Center], and what I love about him is that the players see it,” added Lombardi. “This guy comes in, he’s a real pro. He’s got an unbelievable presence. The last thing he wants is it to be about him. It starts there.”"
Dean Lombardi Says “It Ain’t Me.” But How Much Credit Does LA Kings GM Really Deserve For His Team’s Success?