Ronnie Price happy with Lakers despite team’s bad record

The Lakers (21-60) kicked off their annual exit interviews a bit early on Tuesday, setting meetings with injured players a day before the team finishes the season Wednesday at Staples Center against the Sacramento Kings (28-53).

Guard Ronnie Price was the first to meet with Coach Byron Scott and General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Despite the losing year, Price said he was happy with his season with the Lakers.

“It was a great year for me to have an opportunity to play for this organization,” said Price. “I enjoyed my teammates and Coach Scott and his staff. Overall it was a great experience.”

The veteran was happy to be a “voice in the locker room,” sharing the knowledge he picked up from some of those who mentored him when he was younger, such as former Utah Jazz teammates Karl Malone and John Stockton.

“I would be selfish not to pass that on,” said Price, who would be happy to return in a similar role, even if it’s as the team’s third point guard.

Through 43 games, including 20 starts, Price averaged 5.1 points and 3.8 assists while shooting 34.5% from the field.

His season ended early with elbow surgery,

“The pain in my elbow is gone,” said Price. “This was the first surgery of my career. I’ve been very blessed and fortunate in that area.”

The 31-year old veteran was added over the summer on a one-year, $1.3 million contract. He’ll become a free agent in July.

“After a few days [last] summer, I realized how much I missed playing,” he said, hoping he’ll have a chance to stay in Los Angeles another season.

“This is the Lakers. There’s no organization like this in the world,” said Price.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.