Lakers News: Latest on Roster Moves, Rotation Changes and More

Roster changes and fine-tuning how things will play out on the hardwood rule the day for the Los Angeles Lakers as they continue the march toward the regular season.

Thanks to a rather strong offseason between the draft and getting key players back in the fold, general manager Mitch Kupchak and the front office had some serious decisions to make before the real contests got underway. 

Below, let's take a look at the latest nuggets surrounding the team, including various roster moves and a deeper dive into the Kobe Bryant situation. 

Trimming the Roster

Thanks to quality depth underneath the basket, those who follow the Lakers knew this would be news sooner rather than later. 

According to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers decided to part ways with undrafted rookie Robert Upshaw:

It's not a shocking turn of events given the items Bresnahan listed above. The team also waived Michael Frazier, per Bill Oram of the Orange County Register.

Upshaw is the main point here, though. Many thought the undrafted rookie stood a strong chance at making the roster because were it not for off-court concerns, he surely would have warranted a pick.

Bresnahan provided a look at the plan surrounding the former Washington star:

Upshaw lost 20 pounds and showed dedication to making the final roster, but it would have been difficult for most any rookie to break through the depth lines of Robert Sacre and Tarik Black behind Roy Hibbert.

For now, Upshaw will have to wait his turn to work up the depth chart unless he heads somewhere else.

Marcelo Huertas Forcing Way Into Rotation?

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

International fans know quite a lot about Marcelo Huertas, who went undrafted in 2005 and went on to win the EuroCup, secure two gold medals with the Brazilian team in the FIBA Americas tournament and other such accolades.

Now Lakers fans will get know all about Huertas, who signed with the team in September, because coach Byron Scott like what he sees from the 32-year-old guard, per Mike Trudell of Lakers.com:

"

Scott said he's been very impressed w/Marcelo Huertas. "He's the leader of that second unit." Clearly has earned himself a rotation spot.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 20, 2015"

Los Angeles' second team figured to see Lou Williams, Nick Young and Ryan Kelly at the helm, but Huertas' emergence has thrown a bit of a wrench in the process.

Which is a good problem to have, of course. Huertas impressed with eight assists and eight points in an exhibition recently, showing an elite ability to get others involved.

As one of the most seasoned players on the roster, it's no wonder he's worked his way into the rotation and it's hard to imagine the Lakers won't be better for it.

About Kobe Bryant's Contract

Marco Garcia/Associated Press

The Lakers front office has been the subject of criticism for years due to the $48.5 million extension dished to Bryant in 2013. 

About that. Executive vice president of basketball operations Jim Buss made it quite clear this week that he wouldn't change a thing. He spoke with USA Today's Sam Amick on the topic:

"

You pay the guy. You believe in the guy. If he ends up (staying healthy), that’s fantastic. Well everybody (in the media) cut me up for that, but I’d say over 200 fans have come up to me and said, "Thank you so much for letting my kid see Kobe Bryant for two more years." And I’m like, "You know what? I’m glad I can see him for two more years."

"

Many won't agree with the approach. In short, Buss believes in rewarding Bryant for all that he's done for the Lakers. It's a debatable topic, as most front offices want to pay players based on what they will do, not past accomplishments with no guarantee for the future.

Few organizations have been in such a situation with one of the greatest players of all time, though. The result of the contract might have the franchise worse off from a cash standpoint than it would prefer, but the other end of the spectrum—letting Bryant walk—never seemed like the right move.

Regardless, Bryant and the Lakers charge into this season together. He's dealing with a slight injury right now and might miss the rest of the preseason, but everyone with an investment in the franchise will get to see him for at least one more season once things get underway at the end of the month.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.