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

2. Starting point guard

Heading into training camp last year, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to have the point guard spot filled for years to come with Lonzo Ball. Fast forward to today, and Ball is now in New Orleans and the point guard spot is as unsettled as ever.

When you have LeBron James on the roster, a point guard in the traditional sense is not needed as much. James always has the ball in his hands and has led his team in assists every season but his rookie year. However, the point guard position will be an important one for the Lakers.

Vogel preaches defense. With Davis seemingly locked into the power forward spot, they will need another perimeter defender to pair with Green. Avery Bradley and Alex Caruso fit that bill best. Rajon Rondo is a difficult fit alongside James because of his lack of floor spacing.

Floor spacing is Quinn Cook’s strength, but it is hard to imagine him as the starting point guard because of his lack of defense. Putting pressure on James to chase people around the perimeter all regular season would be a quick way to burn him out. A second solid defender on the perimeter is imperative if James is going to play small forward.

Mike Trudell of Lakers.com believes Rondo could be the odd man out of the point guard rotation, and he may be onto something. Of the four options, Rondo is the worst fit in the starting five. He could be useful in some scenarios, with more opportunities arising with the second unit.

Based on how he finished last season, Caruso deserves a shot at regular minutes. Bradley may be the best option to start if Vogel doesn’t want to use Caruso in that spot. This is a spot that may change continuously throughout the season depending on opponents. All four should be ready to produce on any given night.