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

Feb 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Celtics center Brandon Bass (30) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Lakers won 118-111 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

In the early stages of the season Randle is expected to battle Brandon Bass for the starting job at power forward. In many ways Bass is the opposite of Randle. He is a 30-year-old veteran who was a second round draft choice of the New Orleans Hornets in 2005.  He played two seasons for the Hornets, followed by two seasons each with Dallas and Orlando, before finding a home for four years with the Boston Celtics.

Bass’ best season was in 2011-12 when he set personal career highs of 12.5 points and  6.2 rebounds per game, while making 48% of his shots and 81% of his free throws. He also scored a career high 27 points in a playoff game that season. Bass was consistent throughout his Celtics career but became expendable when the team committed to a serious youth movement.

Bass has worked hard for everything he has accomplished in the NBA and Byron Scott likes hard nose players with that resume. He will battle Randle for the starter’s role and may  earn the spot at the start of the season given Scott’s preference to play veterans. No matter who starts, it is important for Bass to mentor Randle because the latter represents the Lakers’ future.

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