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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: Vander Blue #17 and Thomas Bryant #31 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during 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) /

Final Roster Spot

It currently looks like the Lakers will have only one more roster spot available. With Bogut being signed, the Lakers 15-man roster for the regular season looks set. Alex Caruso locked down one of the two-way contracts in the Las Vegas Summer League. That leaves one more two-way up for grabs.

There are a number of players that could snag this contract. The Lakers signed undrafted free agent V.J. Beachum for his 3-and-D potential. Briante Weber has some NBA experience and is a defensive ace with the capability of running an offense. Stephen Zimmerman was a top high school prospect just two years ago and could be a developmental prospect for the Lakers.

One player to watch is Vander Blue. Blue has done about as much as you can in the G-League, winning the MVP award last season. It is about time that he gets a chance with the Lakers at the next level. However, do they have a spot for him? Would he be willing to accept a two-way deal, or will another team come in with a guaranteed contract offer?

This will be the most heated battle as jobs are on the line. Everyone else mentioned in the earlier slides is likely to make the Lakers final 15-man roster. The players mentioned here are playing for a spot on the team or could be unemployed in about two weeks.

Breaking into the NBA isn’t an easy thing to do, especially on a team such as the Lakers with a plan already in place and players to fill execute that plan. Someone like Blue has paid his dues in the G-League, but there may not be a spot for him on the Lakers.

Next: 5 Bold Predictions For Lakers 2017-18 Season

The next few days will be full of competition. The Lakers have roles open for playing time and one contract up for grabs. Who will seize the opportunity? We will have to wait and watch to see how things unfold!

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