Lakers guarantee half of Ronnie Price’s contract

Ronnie Price signed with the Lakers over the summer without a guarantee he’d make the team.

The veteran guard managed to work his way into the Lakers’ rotation, and even the starting lineup.

On Monday, the Lakers guaranteed half of his contract, or $658,405 of $1.3 million.

Previously, Price was guaranteed $329,202 when the Lakers kept him beyond Nov. 15.

If the 31-year old veteran is still on the roster on Jan. 10, the remainder of his salary will lock in for the season.

Through 23 appearances, Price is averaging 3.6 points and 3.6 assists a game, but is shooting just 28.6% from the field and 21.7% from three-point range.

Guard Wayne Ellington has a similar deal, with $581,692 of his $1.1 million guaranteed.

The Lakers are at the regular-season maximum of 15 players, with 13 on fully guaranteed contract. The franchise is eligible for a hardship exception to temporarily go to 16 with Ryan Kelly (hamstring), Julius Randle (leg), Xavier Henry (Achilles) and Steve Nash (back) all out with injuries.

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