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Los Angeles Lakers: 4 training camp battles to watch for

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: The Denver Nuggets stand for a moment of silence to honor those killed in the Las Vegas shooting incident prior to a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: The Denver Nuggets stand for a moment of silence to honor those killed in the Las Vegas shooting incident prior to a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 4 training camp battles to watch for
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Starting Power Forward Spot

When preparing for the 2017-18 season, it looked like the Lakers starting lineup was set. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Brook Lopez looked likely to have a starting spot. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was signed to be the starting shooting guard. Julius Randle was likely to be the starting power forward.

However, as the offseason has worn on, it looks like there is some competition for the starting power forward spot. No. 27 overall pick, Kyle Kuzma, has come on hot during the offseason. He played very well in the Las Vegas Summer League and has thus far continued that strong play during the preseason.

Randle is undoubtedly a talented player. He is very athletic and a good rebounder. He is capable of initiating the offense as well, but is that what the Lakers need?

With Ball as the starting point guard, the Lakers do not need a power forward initiating the offense. One of Randle’s strengths is to handle the ball and get into the frontcourt, but it is not something they want him doing with Ball on the floor.

Where Randle lacks is in his shooting range. For Ball to succeed, especially as a rookie, the Lakers need to surround him with as many shooters as possible. That is why Kuzma could find his way into the lineup. It would give the Lakers another shooter and strengthen the bench as well, giving them another playmaker.

Randle’s strengths will not be on display as much paired with Ball. It could be best for everyone involved if he is shifted to the bench to help improve the second unit.

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