Point(ed) issues

About the only significant competition at training camp will be in the backcourt, where point guards Derek Fisher, Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar will battle for playing time. It's assumed that Fisher will retain the starter's role, with Brown and Farmar providing backup help. Brown made significant progress after the Lakers acquired him from Charlotte last February. Additional steps must be taken before Brown moves into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, however. Farmar has greater knowledge of the triangle offense, but a knee injury last December blunted his progess and opened the door for Brown's advancement later in the season. This is a duel that bears monitoring from Day 1 at training camp.