Lakers Training Camp: Who Makes the Cut at Power Forward?

October 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) moves to the basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to open training camp they have no fewer than six players under contract at the power forward position.

It is anticipated that only three or four will be on the opening day roster. The competition for these limited spots should be fierce in the preseason, and it will be interesting to see who makes the cut and if there are any surprises.

Julius Randle is a lock for one of the power forward spots, but he has a great deal to prove after missing virtually all of last season. Selected with the seventh pick in the 2014 draft, the team’s foreseeable future is in no small measure dependent on how far and fast Randle develops.

Randle appears to have all the necessary physical tools to be a star. He is in much better condition this year after working out hard for months.

In his brief NBA career, Randle’s game has relied heavily on getting the ball at the top of the key and powering his way to the basket.

He has to learn to use his bulk to play inside more, and while he has a quick first move to the basket, he needs to do a better job finishing at the rim. Developing a consistent mid-range jump shot is also critical.

Randle also has to rebound and play defense to become a complete player. In college he averaged a double-double, so he has the talent. Whether his collegiate prowess translates to the NBA is something we should start to see in the preseason.

Next: Brandon Bass