Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players who need to work hard heading into camp

The Los Angeles Lakers have some guys looking to prove something this season. Here are five players who need to work hard coming into camp.

The Los Angeles Lakers retooled their roster this offseason. The Lakers worked hard to gain financial flexibility throughout the past two seasons and put it to good use this offseason.

Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka were able to the land the superstar that they sought in the form of LeBron James. James immediately brings the Lakers back to relevancy and on the road to prominence. The front office did not rest on their laurels following the James signing, as they quickly continued to fill out the roster.

Following the signing of James, the Lakers re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. After that, veterans Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo and Michael Beasley were signed as well. Every signing outside of James agreed to a one-year deal.

While plenty of attention has been given to the veteran additions, they are not who the Lakers will be solely relying on. Los Angeles has an excellent young core that they are hoping takes another step forward this season.

Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart are entering their second seasons with high hopes. Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac are entering their third and are expected to take bigger leaps as well. Rookies Moritz Wagner and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk could also find minutes in their rookie seasons.

All in all, head coach Luke Walton will have some tough decisions to make when it comes to the rotation during the regular season. There are minutes available as the Lakers are adding plenty of new faces to the mix.

Some players, such as James, are guaranteed roles in the lineup. Ingram’s spot is probably safe, as well. Other than that, things are up for grabs with the Lakers being two-deep across the board.

Which players could land those roles? Here are five players that need to work hard heading into camp for a number of reasons.