1. Starting center
The Los Angeles Lakers were in dire straights at the center spot a few weeks ago. DeMarcus Cousins was signed with big plans.
The team hoped Cousins would bring versatility offensively as a player who was capable of playmaking and stretching the floor from the center spot. He could also protect the rim. Unfortunately, Cousins tore his ACL and was lost for the season before things even got started.
To help replace him, the team turned to Dwight Howard. Howard won over the team during his meeting and with his workout. He says that he is a changed player and ready to buy in to whatever role the team has for him. Rebounding and shot-blocking are what they will hope for.
In addition to Howard, the team re-signed JaVale McGee. McGee was the starting center last season but will have to compete with Howard during training camp. He was excellent defensively last season before pneumonia knocked him off course.
This training camp battle wouldn’t even be in the discussion if Anthony Davis was playing center. He prefers to remain at power forward, making this battle the most important one to keep an eye on.
McGee and Howard could split the minutes pretty evenly. However, the Lakers could be at their best if Davis manned the middle and LeBron James moved to power forward. That would also open up more minutes for Kyle Kuzma, as he can thrive at the power forward spot.
McGee and Howard both fit the bill as the type of player that fits well alongside Davis int he frontcourt as he prefers playing next to a natural center. However, neither player is known for his floor stretching ability. But, both are great pick-and-roll players, so that should help open up space with Green, whoever plays point guard and Davis capable of spacing the floor.
How this battle shakes out will impact how the rest of the frontcourt rotation looks as well.