Lakers coach JJ Redick joked that the team’s two open starting spots would not both go to white players, catching general manager Rob Pelinka by surprise. Redick said Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler have the other three spots locked; camp will decide the rest.
Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Jarred Vanderbilt are among those vying for the two places. Redick said wing players will have clear expectations and must meet them to earn playing time.
The Lakers are reshaping around Dončić and Reaves after the summer departures of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. Pelinka acquired Kessler in a trade and re-signed Reaves to a four-year extension.
