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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 2: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Lakers gets introduced in the starting line up before the game against the Denver Nuggets during a preseason game on October 2, 2017 at STAPLES Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Backup Center

The Lakers made a relatively bold move acquiring Brook Lopez from the Brooklyn Nets. They did it in large part to shed the contract of Timofey Mozgov but had to include D’Angelo Russell to sweeten the pot.

It is likely that Lopez will be the starting center as a result, and rightfully so. He will help spread the floor, as he turned himself into a stretch-5 last season. Lopez will also provide a little bit of rim protection.

The question remains, however, who will play the backup center minutes? Many assumed it would be Ivica Zubac, the second year Lakers center. Even after a tough Summer League, Zubac looked like the guy. Things changed, though, once Andrew Bogut was brought on board.

Bogut is not on a guaranteed contract, but he is likely to make the squad. He will provide valuable experience for a young roster. Bogut would also eat into the minutes that people thought Zubac would receive.

If Bogut makes the roster, he will play. With contenders such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics also calling, Bogut didn’t choose the Lakers to ride the bench. Zubac has looked better in preseason than Summer League, so maybe he can earn some minutes going forward.

This is an important role because the Lakers will undoubtedly need depth at center. Neither Lopez nor Bogut are pillars of good health. Reserves will get minutes, so keep an eye on rookie Thomas Bryant as well. As we’ve seen in the preseason, Walton is also not afraid to use Larry Nance Jr. at center as well.

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