Los Angeles Lakers: 4 training camp battles to watch for

4. Center minutes

The center position saw an overhaul this offseason for the Lakers. Last season’s starter, Brook Lopez, signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. 2017 second round pick, Thomas Bryant, was waived. Channing Frye signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In their place, the Lakers signed JaVale McGee and drafted Moritz Wagner with their first-round pick. Ivica Zubac is the only holdover from last season. McGee is expected to start, but his issues with asthma make him impossible to play more than about 15 minutes per game.

How the Lakers plan to fill the minutes behind him will be figured out in training camp. Wagner is ready, from an offensive standpoint, for the NBA. However, his defense leaves a lot to be desired. There have been talks of LeBron James playing some minutes at the 5, while Michael Beasley has also been mentioned as a candidate.

Julius Randle thrived last season as a small-ball 5. James is essentially taking his spot in the rotation, but cannot be overworked playing too much at center. Beasley has some experience at center in his career, but his shortcomings defensively could be difficult to overcome for long periods of time.

Training camp will give us the first look into what Walton is planning to do with the center position.