'This is a meritocracy': Lakers open training camp with mandate of competition

The only thing the star center cared about was the competition on the court. He and his teammates delivered on that, Kessler said with a smile.

The Lakers opened training camp Tuesday with a focus on competition as the new-look team takes shape. Six of the team's top nine players from last season are gone. A month's worth of practices and five preseason games are the stage as players audition to fill the vacant roles.

"This is a meritocracy," coach JJ Redick said. "You got to earn your minutes, and you cheer for your teammates while you're doing it."