1. Starting shooting guard spot
The most anticipated training camp battle will be at the shooting guard position. The Lakers have three NBA caliber players at the position in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Josh Hart and Lance Stephenson. Stephenson could get some spot minutes, but the training camp battle will focus on Caldwell-Pope and Hart.
Caldwell-Pope re-signed this offseason, agreeing to a one-year, $12 million deal. He was the starter for Los Angeles last season and had one of the best seasons of his career, putting up career-best efficiency numbers and averaging his most rebounds per game.
Hart has caught the attention of the organization with his play to end the 2017-18 season and the work he has put in this offseason. Hart was dominant during Las Vegas Summer League play, taking home MVP honors. He has worked on his ball handling this offseason to become a more well-rounded player. Magic Johnson also said he wished he had 20 Josh Harts.
Both players are good fits for the current roster. Their 3-point shooting and versatility defensively to defend multiple positions will be key to the team’s success. Both players fit well alongside Lonzo Ball and LeBron James, the players who will presumably handle the ball the most in the starting lineup.
Right now, Caldwell-Pope probably as the leg up, as he was the starter last season. However, he should not get complacent, as Hart is not far behind. Both players will play prominent roles whether it is off the bench or in the starting five.
While people will pay attention to the starting five, which one of the players is on the court at the end of the game will be important as well. Both players are candidates for that given their skill sets. Experience is the only area that Caldwell-Pope has a significant edge over Hart in.