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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, CA – OCTOBER 02: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first 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) /

Backup Small Forward

The outcome of this spot in the rotation will be a bit of a trickle-down effect. This spot in the rotation is dependent on how the first two battles in this slideshow go. Let’s run down the scenarios.

Let’s say Randle is named the starting power forward. That means the backup small forward spot could be Kuzma’s, whose improved three-point shooting makes it a possibility. That leaves Nance Jr. as his running mate at power forward.

If Kuzma steals away the starting spot, this becomes much more complicated. Neither Randle or Nance Jr. shoot well enough to play small forward. Could we then see veterans such as Corey Brewer or Luol Deng break into the rotation?

The minutes behind Brandon Ingram will probably change throughout the season. With so many options, Walton has the luxury of mixing and matching depending on matchups. Some nights a more traditional small forward will be needed; other nights a bigger lineup could be what Walton rolls out there.

This position battle will be something to watch. Kuzma has earned a spot in the rotation, but that means someone else has to get bumped out and lose some minutes. Who will that player be? We will have to wait and see. How Walton distributes minutes in the preseason once everyone is healthy could show his hand prior to the regular season beginning.

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