Many basketball fans would question the addition of a player to their favorite team that has only averaged a little over three points per game in his career. The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to diminish this sentiment by offering perspective of their situation with one word: Depth. That’s why veteran point guard Ronnie Price was signed to a non-guaranteed contract to compete in Lakers training camp. Price has spent his nine-year career with the Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic.
The same song is playing in the head of Lakers head coach Byron Scott regarding the team’s NBA-leading 319 games missed due to injury. The number is not one to ignore, and the more players you can add to avoid this situation, the better. What Price can bring to the Lakers roster is a backup who provides energy and effort on a nightly basis. Along with fellow point guards Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin, Price also brings postseason experience to the squad. Just three days into camp, the 31-year old has caught Byron Scott’s eye:
Byron Scott asked if anyone has surprised him so far: "Ronnie Price really has my attention. He's a pit bull, really gets after people."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 2, 2014
Kobe Bryant also talked in detail about Price’s conditioning coming into Scott’s new hardcore conditioning camps. The Los Angeles Times Lakers writer Eric Pincus reported:
Kobe singled out Ronnie Price as the teammate who got through the conditioning drills with easy "He can run all day"
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) September 30, 2014
Winning favor with both the head coach and franchise star bodes well for any player looking for a permanent role on a team this season. Price is well on his way to earn some minutes pending his preseason performance.
Price’s energy that has already been discussed throughout camp can be a useful asset. Nights will come when Nash can’t log big minutes or Lin may not be able to keep up with the opposition. Jordan Clarkson’s experience may also not be enough to be trusted in some situations. The possibility could call for the Lakers to rely on the relentless efforts that Price has been displaying.
The bigger gauge for Ronnie Price will come next week in preseason action. With games against both the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors, Byron Scott may allow Price to operate on both ends against Stephon Curry and Ty Lawson. Both players are two of the NBA’s best point guards, who fit the description of players that give the Lakers trouble.
Curry brings some of the best ball-handling and shooting to the table. His use of picks to get open shots wears down opposing guards. The task to keep him from a big game can be daunting for many players. Quickness, explosiveness, and an up-tempo style of play describe Lawson. His game is not typically suited for 40-year old Steve Nash, would have to chase him around for extended minutes.
Granted, the preseason means that star players will not spend a lot of time on the floor. Coaches are just trying to put together proper personnel and work out the kinks of camp. The same task will be important for the Lakers, including their use of Price. Allowing him to play some minutes against opposing starters can provide solid reinforcement in case of injury. Adjusting to the speed of the game in meaningful minutes can keep him fresh when others hit the occasional wall.
If Price can live up to the rave reviews, his contract may last until Nov. 15 when it becomes fully guaranteed. Aside from being motivated to get a roster spot, Price has the chance to help the Lakers make a push for this season’s playoffs. Both tasks aren’t impossible, and a combination of health, cohesion, and nightly efforts only heightens their chances. Ronnie Price is definitely positioning himself to create a calling card for the latter.