The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to begin the building process for the post-Kobe Bryant era and Julius Randle is expected to play a big role in that effort. A first-round pick last year, Randle's rookie season ended before it ever started thanks to an injury. Now back on the court and healthy, Randle's summer league season could have gone better forcing the Lakers to potentially make adjustments to other's roles on the court including Kobe Bryant's position.
According to head coach Byron Scott, the additions of D'Angelo Russell and Lou Williams along with the slow return of Randle could see Bryant playing more power forward than ever before. Scott told the media that while the team is looking to add another guard or play Russell and Jordan Clarkson together, it could mean that Bryant makes some position changes throughout the year.
"If we don't get another guard, then Kobe's in that mix," Scott said, via ESPN.com. "I'm kind of going through those scenarios. But not necessarily as far as who's starting and who doesn't. ... I think [Bryant] will play more 3 than 2. If we can get him at the elbows and at the mid-post, the more effective he'll be. I don't think he needs to be using up the whole 94-foot floor. If we can cut that down some, I think that saves his legs as much as possible. But if we can get him where he operates best, which to me is elbows on each area, top of the key, at the pinch post, at the mid-post, then I think he can be real effective for us."
Heading into summer league play, Scott wanted to see a battle between Russell and Clarkson for the starting position. He confirmed that they will compete to start at point guard while Brandon Bass and Randle compete as well. Bass signed in the offseason while Randle was still assumed to be out. He will be critical in how the young player develops throughout the season.
The Lakers roster is not yet set in stone. With Russell and Clarkson both potentially starting, Roy Hibbert will come in at center. Bass and Randle will battle to start. Lou Williams is looking to get time at shooting guard. If Bryant is not fully healthy come the start of the season, he could start the season at the position. Nick Young will get the nod at small forward as long as he is not traded before that.
