12. Jared Dudley
Dudley is a wily, hard-nosed veteran whose best days are behind him. He may well contribute more off the court with his leadership than he does on it. Although he is a career 39% 3-point shooter, he has shot less than that for the past three seasons.
Still, like Daniels, he’s also likely to get spotted into the lineup occasionally and should make his presence felt several times throughout the season.
11. Rajon Rondo
He’s another player who is no longer the player he once was, especially on defense, where he is now well below average. He is also rather injury-prone.
Last year, he provided great veteran leadership to the young, developing Lakers. That influence won’t be needed nearly as much on the current much more experienced squad.
It’s possible that he’ll start on the second unit, or at the very least be subbed into situations where he can help make the team offense run more smoothly. But when LeBron James is on the court, a great shooter is far more valuable than another playmaker.
10. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
He has been a bit of an enigma in his previous two seasons with the Lakers. In both years he had a so-so first half followed by a string of strong performances following the All-Star break. Yes, he played on an expiring contract both years, but that doesn’t adequately answer just why it takes him so long to click.
KCP has shown that he can be a good shooter and defender, but he hasn’t done either consistently. He might have to be more dependable in both areas to stay in the rotation. It’s possible that he’ll be used frequently in a three-guard lineup with the second unit.