Los Angeles Lakers Training Camp: Six Things to Watch

7 of 7

Feb 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) reacts to a 3-point basket in the second half of the game against the Boston Celtics at Staples Center. Lakers won 118-111 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

6. Who Will Serve as Bryant’s Backup?

Even people with an optimistic outlook for Bryant don’t think he will play more than 50 games this season, and that assumes he stays relatively healthy for the duration.

Who is going to play when Bryant can’t?

The situation is complicated, because Bryant is expected to play small forward this year. It is an understatement to say the Lakers are thin at that position. Young, a natural shooting guard, has played the three for the Lakers, but he’s made it clear he does not like to start. Furthermore, Young’s played poorly in the past when thrust into that role.

The only other small forward on the roster is the rookie, Brown. It would be an enormous surprise if he emerged as a viable candidate to start at any point this season.

Who will replace Bryant when he’s out?

As things stand now, multiple players are going to have to play out of position for most of the season. It could be a power forward such as Randle or Larry Nance Jr. However, much like Brown, Nance Jr. is a rookie and Randle is essentially entering his first year.

Clarkson might have to drop down and play some three. The best small forwards in the league – LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, and Kawhi Leonard – are too physical for guards and two quick for power forwards.

Laker fans have been wondering what the team will do at small forward all summer. The front office seems unconcerned, since they’ve concentrated on every position except small forward.

Hopefully, some of these questions get answered once training camp gets underway, but, for right now, there are no obvious solutions.

Next: Taylor Swift Hangs Banner in Staples Before LA Clippers

More from Lake Show Life

Home/Lakers News