Los Angeles Lakers Roster: What Is The Missing Piece In Kobe-Led Lakers This Season?

As training camp nears, the Los Angeles Lakers roster may be needing one more thing before it begins training and aiming to get the last spot at the Western Conference come playoffs time. 

So far, Los Angeles already has brought in a number of additions to make up for losses. Here's how the roster stacks up based on the starting player, and those coming off the bench. 

Center

Jordan Hill will reprice his role as the Lakers' enforcer down low. With Pau Gasol and Chris Kaman gone, we'd expect more minutes for Hill together with fellow center Robert Sacre. New acquisition Ed Davis from Memphis can also play center, though he's versatile as well to play the four position. 

Power Forward

Carlos Boozer will not replace Gasol in terms of offensive efficiency and being a facilitator in the post. However, he provides the Lakers height and width in the power forward position. Aside from the being able to bang bodies inside, Boozer can also shoot the midrange jumper. Coming off the bench for Boozer is rookie Julius Randle who will inject athleticism and talent in the second unit. 

Shooting Guard

Kobe Bryant will return as the starting shooting guard for the Lakers, but after him no other Laker can be decent replacement in the two-guard position. Xavier Henry is a natural shooting guard, but he does not have the offensive artillery Bryant has to provide the buckets. That means coach Byron Scott could play one of his point guards in this position. 

Point Guard

Steve Nash is still the best floor general on the roster with the absence of former guard Steve Blake. Jeremy Lin will be instrumental for the Lakers especially if Nash's health issues continue to bother his play. In a lineup where a lot of players cannot create their own shots, Nash and Lin will be the facilitators on offense. 

So far, the Lakers have no solid small forward on the wings to provide secondary offense and perimeter defense. While Michael Beasley has been rumored to be a part of this Lakers team, we can never be sure primarily because of his antics off the court. Unless they find a decent swingman, Los Angeles will find it more difficult to penetrate inside and space the floor.