One of the surprising additions to the Los Angeles Lakers roster during the off-season was veteran point guard Ronnie Price. The 31-year-old floor general had bounced all around the league throughout his career without making much of an impression, but head coach Byron Scott saw something he liked in the journeyman.
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Unfortunately, Price’s season was cut short due to an elbow injury. Although his stint in Los Angeles may be over, the veteran hopes to re-sign with the team this summer, according to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times:
Chatting with Ronnie Price last night – he'd love to be back with the Lakers – even if as 3rd pg in a rotation – very grateful to team, etc.
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) March 16, 2015
During his first season with the Lakers, Price played in only 43 games averaging 5.1 points, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Price also started 20 of the 43 games played after proving his worth to Coach Scott with a willingness to put in the effort on the defensive end of the basketball floor.
Ultimately, rookie Jordan Clarkson took over as the starting point guard and has held the position ever since. Clarkson’s play has overshadowed Price’s defensive effort and Jeremy Lin’s contribution when given the opportunity to be a starter.
With the future of the franchise up in the air, it remains uncertain whether Price will be retained this summer. Clarkson appears to be the only player in the backcourt, along with Kobe Bryant and Nick Young, that’ll be guaranteed to return for the 2015-16 NBA season. Lin may have an outside chance if able to continue playing well of the second half of the season, but there’s certainly no guarantee he’ll be back next year.
[divide]Lakers Byron Scott Praises Jabari Brown