Los Angeles Lakers: 3 2019 training camp battles to watch for

3. Backup guard spot

The Lakers have several options to turn to in their backcourt. Right now, Danny Green looks like the only one who is locked into a role as the starting shooting guard. Who gets minutes here could be determined during training camp.

Avery Bradley, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Troy Daniels and Alex Caruso can all fill in behind Green at shooting guard. Daniels fills a specific role as a 3-point sniper but doesn’t offer much else. If he was able to play even average defense, he would have a definitive role on the team. Quinn Cook would be in the same boat as a strong 3-point shooter.

Caldwell-Pope has started and has come off the bench during his Lakers tenure. He is a solid fit alongside James and Davis as a two-way player that can knock down 3-pointers and play some defense. He showcased what he was capable of toward the end of the 2018-19 season, but needs to put things together more consistently.

Bradley and Caruso are an interesting case. Their minutes in the backcourt rotation will depend on how the point guard spot shakes out. They are combo guards that can fill either the point guard or shooting guard spot depending on what the team needs. Both players are versatile defensively and should be in the rotation whether it is as the lead guard or in an off-ball role.

Daniels will most likely be the odd man out more often than not. His 3-point shooting is an important asset, but he doesn’t bring much else to the court currently. He should get some spot minutes, but won’t be a consistent member of the rotation unless an injury occurs.