The Los Angeles Lakers ‘summer league team might be better than their actual team. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but they are extremely talented.

Rookie D’Angelo Russell will look to show off his offensive arsenal, while Julius Randle will look to show Lakers fans why they selected him in the first round last year. Randle broke his leg in the Lakers’ season opener and missed the rest of the season. He has reportedly dropped around 20 pounds and is improving his shooting range.

Last year’s steal of the draft, Jordan Clarkson, will be exciting to watch. Clarkson is a terrific offensive weapon who can finish at the rim or pull up for a 20-footer. Clarkson averaged 15.8 points and 5.0 assists in 38 starts last year.

Rookie selections Larry Nance Jr. and Anthony Brown will have a significant role on the summer league team. Nance is a terrific athlete with a good offensive skill set. Brown has a chance to be a steal, as he has “three and D” potential written all over him. Brown shot north of 44 percent from three-point range in his final two collegiate seasons.

Jabari Brown is expected to miss two summer league games with laceration in his left eye. He averaged 11.9 points in 19 games last year as a rookie.

Dwight Buyucks will also be on the team after a short stint with the Lakers last year. He averaged 8.7 points and 2.3 assists in six games.

There are two names on the summer league roster with potential to make an NBA team, if it’s not the Lakers. Brandon Ashley (Arizona) and Robert Upshaw (Washington), who both played in the Pac-12, are on the team as well. Ashley is a good athlete with the tools to be a good defender in the league. He is also a decent face-up threat and can defend both forward spots.

Upshaw has first-round talent. One may ask why he went undrafted, but the answer is simple: off the court issues. Upshaw was kicked off Fresno State and Washington for violation of team rules. Last year, the 7-foot center led the nation in blocks (4.5 BPG) and showed that he can be an elite rim protector in the NBA.

Upshaw claims he has matured since being dismissed from Washington. If he has, the Lakers should look to sign him. The Lakers’ first game is against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, July 10 in Las Vegas.

George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgemiddlet0n, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google