Lakers increase training camp roster to 19 with veteran Ronnie Price

The Lakers announced the signing of veteran guard Ronnie Price on Wednesday, bringing to 19 the number of players on their roster.

The 6-foot-2 Price, who can play point or shooting guard, went undrafted in 2005 but has forged a nine-year career with the Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers and the Orlando Magic.

Last season, the 31-year-old Price made 31 appearances with the Magic, averaging 2.4 points and a career-high 2.1 assists.

The Lakers’ roster of 19 is one short of the training camp maximum of 20. The team can carry a maximum of 15 during the regular season.

Currently the Lakers have 13 players with guaranteed contracts. Price, along with five players recently signed by the team (Wayne Ellington, Jabari Brown, Roscoe Smith, Keith Appling and Jeremy Tyler), will be competing for the Lakers’ final two spots.

While the Lakers didn’t announce the teams of his contract, as a nine-year veteran Price will earn a minimum contract of $1.3 million -- if he sticks through the 2014-15 season.

In addition to veterans Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin, the Lakers also have Nick Young, Xavier Henry, rookie Jordan Clarkson, Ellington, Brown and Appling at guard.

The team might look to keep depth in the backcourt this season, given Nash’s uncertain health status after two years with back, knee and hamstring issues.

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