LA Lakers NBA Rumors and News: Bryant, Nash May Get Much Needed Help From New Recruits

With their nagging injuries and aging bodies, Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash may not be able to play every game for the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming NBA season, but the Lakers' new recruits may help fill in the void.

Boston Celtics' star Rajon Rondo, Minnesota Timberwolves' top shooter Ricky Rubio and Phoenix Suns' Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe, both reputable cagers, may find themselves backing up Bryant and Nash in the next NBA season.

Several free agents -- including veterans Michael Beasley, Ronnie Price and Wayne Ellington -- have also visited the LA Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo, California, over the past few weeks.

One confirmed new acquisition is five-year NBA veteran Wayne Ellington formerly with the Dallas Mavericks. Lake Show Life said Ellington signed up with the Lakers for their pre-season roster on Sept. 22.

The 26-year-old shooting guard posted career-highs last season in field-goal percentage (43.7 percent) and three-point shooting (42.4 percent). Within three feet of the basket, Ellington has a remarkable 61 percent clip, according to BasketballReference.com.

Ellington led the University of North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2009 NCAA championship, earning for himself the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award.

Ellington is expected to fill the spot left by the injured Jodie Meeks who, during the last NBA season, was regarded as the Lakers' the most valuable player by basketball pundits.

Like Meeks, Ellington is a deadly shooter from inside and outside the three-point arc and an athletic finisher as well.

The Lakers also acquired the services of Chicago frontliner Carlos Boozer on a free agent deal after trading Jeremy Lin.

Just months after tearing his Achilles tendon, the 36-year-old Bryant suffered another injury -- a lateral tibial plateau fracture in his left knee. With his recurring injuries, the Lakers' franchise player is not expected to play the full season.

Steve Nash, another Lakers' star, is also not expected to last the entire season. The 18-year veteran has suffered from persistent nerve damages in his back and hamstrings. With his injuries, he was only able to play 15 games in the last NBA season.

Xavier Henry is another doubtful starter for the Lakers in the next season. He recently underwent surgery in his wrist and knee and reportedly has not fully recovered yet.

New Lakers' coach Byron Scott also has to contend with the loss of LA's prized center, Pau Gasol, who signed up with the Chicago Bulls.

Despite the injuries and losses, the Lakers still have the bench and depth to stay competitive in the next NBA season, analysts said.

They said the return of a healthy Bryant will be the key to the Lakers' fortunes. If he can stay on the court along with Nash, the Lakers should be able to win more games than during last season.