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Los Angeles Lakers: Three Things To Watch In Camp

By Chris Walton

Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 13, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Knicks at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won 76-66. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 13, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Knicks at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won 76-66. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Rookies

In unusual Los Angeles Lakers fashion, the team’s glut of talent will likely be made of their first-year guys. D’Angelo Russell, Larry Nance Jr., Anthony Brown and Robert Upshaw all offer their own sets of intriguing stories.

Russell is the highly-decorated All-American which the team took the unconventional route to acquire. Rather than stick to their guns of breeding elite centers, the team passed on Jahlil Okafor to have this versatile point guard lead them into the future. Lots of fans are counting on Russell to become the floor general that can be the glue to all of their new pieces. It’ll take time, but he has the chance to put the work in as proof.

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    • Larry Nance was surprisingly selected with the 27th overall pick. As the son of an NBA legend (Larry Nance Sr.), he is looking to fit into the Lakers’ new dynamics of high energy basketball. Nance’s place in the NBA can be solidified as two-way forward in the league’s new small-ball era. He will also have to show pundits that he was worth what many view as a gamble by the Lakers.

    Anthony Brown brings a much-needed perimeter defender and shooter to the Lakers. After several injuries in his collegiate career, Brown has certainly beat the odds. With no true small forward on their roster, Brown has the chance to become one of the franchise’s most pivotal parts.

    Julius Randle will technically be in his second NBA season after last year’s injury. Randle’s broken right tibia is healed, and he has a strong chance to win the starting spot at power forward. Fans and the team’s front office are anxiously awaiting his return to full form. For Randle, he is battling the feeling of getting it all back at once. The young bull must show patience and he can no doubt be one of the team’s cornerstones for the next few years.

    Arguably, the most intriguing rookie addition may be Robert Upshaw. The troubled big man was officially signed on Monday to a multi-year deal. It’s not a question of talent, as Upshaw was a monster in his last year at Washington, averaging 4.5 blocks per game. Most of his collegiate career was spent suspended due to disciplinary reasons and drug issues. Upshaw also had a brief scare due to a heart issue that solidified his undrafted status. On both ends, he will have to prove himself to nab the Lakers’ 15th roster spot.

    Next: Veteran Leadership

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