How the Lakers’ roster looks to start 2016-17 season
Newsroom GuidelinesNews TipsContact UsReport an Error Some expect a breakout season from him, but he’s got to limit turnovers, provide defense.SG Lou Williams12th season; 15.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.5 apgPart of a group of veterans the coaching staff can lean on to help mentor young players.SF Luol Deng 13th season; 12.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.9 apgDeng will start, but one of his primary responsibilities is to help groom rookie Brandon Ingram to take his spot.PF Julius Randle3rd season; 11.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.8 apgRandle’s all-around talent excites many, but he needs a lot of work on his jumper to become Draymond Green-like.C Timofey Mozgov7th season; 6.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 0.4 apgLakers replaced Roy Hibbert by giving this former Cleveland big man $64 million in free agency.ReservesPG/SG Jordan Clarkson3rd season; 15.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.4 apgHe’ll play starter-sized minutes coming off the bench.PG Jose Calderon12th season; 7.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.2 apgThe experienced point guard provides more of that veteran leadership.PG Marcelo Huertas2nd season; 4.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 3.4 apgA pass-first point guard, he’ll need to scrap for whatever minutes Russell and Calderon don’t play.SF Nick Young10th season; 7.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.6 apgTwo surprises: Young is still on roster and is earning praise for his defense.SF Brandon Ingram*Rookie; 17.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.0 apgThe second overall pick needs to put on weight but appears to have a high ceiling.PF Larry Nance Jr.2nd season; 5.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.7 apgThe high-flying Nance opened some eyes as a rookie and could expand his role.PF Thomas Robinson5th season; 4.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 0.6 apgInvited to camp after dominating open gym, the 2012 No. 5 pick impressed Walton with his work ethic.PF Metta World Peace17th season; 5.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.8 apgHe made the roster but won’t see the court much. He’s here to help young players learn.C Tarik Black3rd season; 3.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.4 apgHigh-energy Black returns as the team’s backup big man.C Ivica Zubac#Rookie; 5.3 ppg,; 3.0 rpg, 0.0 apgThe Croatian rookie figures to log time with the D-Fenders since minutes could be scarce with Lakers.* – Statistics from freshman season at Duke# – Statistics from Cibona Zagreb
Here’s the Lakers’ roster for their season opener Wednesday against the Houston Rockets: StartersPG D’Angelo Russell2nd season; 13.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.3 apg