Lakers in review: Training camp opens, team loses exhibition to Jazz

The Lakers opened training camp with media day Sept. 28, followed by a flight to Hawaii where the team was set to prepare for the 2015-16 season.

With 19 players under contract, the franchise has a number of roster and rotation issues to resolve before the end of October.

A significant lingering question remains, and may continue for the entire year: Is this Kobe Bryant’s final season?

Regardless of the ultimate answer, Bryant, now 37 years old, is quite curious about the Lakers season ahead, specifically how he’ll mesh with the team’s younger players.

Rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell said he’s eager to show his progression since summer league in Las Vegas.

To make room for Russell in the starting lineup, Jordan Clarkson may slide to two-guard, with Bryant at small forward.

Coach Byron Scott eased Bryant in with limited activity on the first day of camp.

The Lakers also welcomed a familiar face in Metta World Peace, trying to make a return to the Lakers and NBA at the age of 35.

Nick Young is also back, hoping to show he’s learned from last year’s struggles.

Undrafted center Robert Upshaw, hoping to make the team despite a non-guaranteed contract, said he’s ready to contribute after counseling and losing 25 pounds.

The Lakers hired James Worthy to help coach the team’s frontcourt players.

Nonetheless, a gambling website isn’t impressed by the Lakers’ roster, downgrading their chances to win a title this season to 100-1.

Scott was initially coy about who would start for the Lakers when hosting the Utah Jazz in Hawaii. Russell’s status was briefly up in the air, with a bruised foot, but it didn’t keep him out of practice for long.

Lou Williams and Brandon Bass were listed by Scott as potential starters, but second-year forward Julius Randle’s strong training camp was given the nod on Sunday against Utah.

Bryant played just the first quarter, scoring five points. The Lakers led earlier in the game, but fell, 90-71, in their preseason opener.

Meanwhile, former Lakers champion Luke Walton was named interim head coach of the Golden State Warriors, while Steve Kerr recovers from a back injury.

Jordan Farmar, another former two-time title-holder with the Lakers, sold his resort-like house in Tarzana.

Finally, Lakers Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote a novel about Sherlock Holmes’ brother.

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

MORE LAKERS NEWS:

Lakers forward Julius Randle is quick out of the gate

Metta World Peace, once a Lakers stalwart, seeks another chance at 35

Gambling website downgrades Lakers’ chances to win title to 100-1