Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell, summer squad start training camp

On Monday, the Lakers opened training camp for their summer league squad.

The team features a number of players expected to be on the regular-season roster this season, including Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Anthony Brown, Tarik Black and Jabari Brown.

Randle, the Lakers’ seventh overall pick in 2014, is looking forward to playing five-on-five again after suffering a season-ending broken leg on opening night.

“I feel really good,” Randle said after practice. “We’ve been playing pickup, but this is the first NBA game speed type of stuff that I’ve done.”

Randle said he’s in better shape than he was a year ago, 15 pounds slimmer and better able to get through Coach Byron Scott’s conditioning drills.

Russell, the Lakers’ second overall pick in this year’s draft, was impressed by his new teammates, especially Randle.

“Julius, that dude’s a beast, man” said Russell. “I feel like we’re going to work the pick and roll.”

Russell and Clarkson give the Lakers a tall backcourt, with both players about the same size at 6-foot-5. Russell might even be slightly taller than the Lakers’ sophomore guard.

“I’m not sure, maybe we’ll have to call him back out here and stand back-to-back,” said Clarkson. “He can pass the hell out of the ball. It makes the game a lot easier for everybody. It’s good running with him.”

Clarkson said he’s worked diligently to improve his outside shot.

In his NBA all-team rookie season, Clarkson averaged 11.9 points a game while shooting 44.8% from the field but converted just 31.4% from behind the arc.

“I’m feeling more comfortable shooting threes, almost like a regular shot now for me,” said Clarkson. “That’s come with the work I’ve done in the weight room.”

Randle said he’s happy with the Lakers’ additions. Nance was taken 27th in the draft, Anthony Brown 34th.

“They’re good. They’re going to be great additions to the team. They all play hard, have high basketball IQs,” said Randle.

Nance returned the compliment.

“He’s a strong dude. I didn’t realize that,” said the 22-year old Nance of the 20-year old Randle. “I think I’m about the same height, but he’s got a few pounds on me and younger I think. He’s definitely going to be something special. I’m just happy to play with him.”

He was also impressed by Russell, who is already taking a leadership role on the team.

“He passed me one on the fast break and I didn’t take the jump shot and passed it up,” said Nance. “He made sure to come back to me after the possession and said, ‘Hey, you’ve got that shot. Shoot it next time. Have confidence, confidence is everything.’

“He’s ready to lead us.”

Assistant Coach Mark Madsen will run the team’s entry in Las Vegas, starting on Friday, but Scott will direct the players through practice this week.

Dwight Buycks, who played for a stretch with the Lakers last year, and Black both missed practice to attend a funeral.

The Lakers round out their summer-league roster with center Robert Upshaw, guard Xavier Munford and forwards Will Davis II and Tony Mitchell.

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