Nearing training camp, only 13 of 19 Lakers guaranteed

Earlier in the week, the Lakers increased their training camp roster to 19 players, one short of the maximum.

While 13 have fully guaranteed contracts, including second-round pick (46th overall) Jordan Clarkson, the team has six players competing for two final roster spots.

Guard Ronnie Price has no guarantees on his $1,316,809 salary, not until two weeks into the season.

If Price is still on the roster on Nov. 15, his deal will lock in for $329,202. If he hasn’t been waived by Dec. 15, Price’s guarantee increases to $658,405.

All non-guaranteed contracts are firmed up for players who are still on NBA rosters as of Jan. 10.

Because the nine-year veteran signed a one-year, minimum contract, the NBA will reimburse the Lakers $401,566 for the portion of his salary that is greater than the minimum for a player with two years of experience ($915,243). The rule is in place to encourage teams to sign veteran players, despite higher salaries.

Shooting guard Wayne Ellington has a similar contract, with the first portion only guaranteed if he makes it to Nov. 15.

The remaining four camp invites (Keith Appling, Jabari Brown, Roscoe Smith and Jeremy Tyler) are on summer contracts. Each will make the rookie minimum of $507,336 (except for Tyler, who with three-year’s experience will earn $948,163).

None of the four have any contract guarantees, even if injured.

Price and Ellington, who have non-summer contracts, would receive their full salaries for the year if waived while hurt.

Appling, Brown, Smith and Tyler only have $6,000 of similar protection.

Technically the Lakers can start the season with the league minimum of 13.

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.