LAKERS TRAINING CAMP GUIDE
	Location HealthSouth Training Center; El Segundo, Calif. Preseason schedule (all times ET) Oct. 8: L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m. Oct. 11: Memphis, 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12: Denver, 8:30 p.m. Oct. 17: Golden State, 10:30 p.m. Oct. 19: Phoenix, 10:30 p.m. Oct. 22: Cleveland, 10:30 p.m. Oct. 24: Milwaukee, 10:30 p.m. Oct. 25: Sacramento, 10:30 p.m. Team roster | Depth chart | Offseason moves

Camp question
Simply, can the Lakers survive without Shaquille O'Neal to start the season? Furthermore, will Shaq and his surgically repaired right big toe hold up over the course of the season? It may not matter, as long as he is there in May and June.

Camp project
Kobe Bryant is going to have to carry this team now that Shaq, who had bone spurs removed from a joint in his toe, is out six to eight weeks and will likely miss the Lakers' season opener against San Antonio. This is Kobe's dream: to be the focal point of the triangle offense without O'Neal in the game. We'll get to see just how talented this kid is.

	FANTASY GAMES KEY CAMPER
	Who to watch: On a team where only two players are musts for fantasy rosters, there remains little else to watch here. However, with Shaquille O'Neal's propensity for missing some games, Samaki Walker could garner some double-doubles, assuming he's healthy. Walker had two months with nearly a nine-rebound-per-game average, so don't forget him totally. — Eric Karabell

Camp comeback
With Shaq out for a while, it's up to Samaki Walker to roam the middle for the defending champs. He did himself no favors by taunting teams in the playoffs and then performing less-than-admirably, averaging just 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 19 postseason games. But perhaps he can develop with more minutes on the court.

Camp controversy
The good thing about winning three consecutive titles is that everybody pretty much knows their role. It will be interesting to watch Kobe try to scale back his game once O'Neal returns, though.

Frank Hughes, who covers the NBA for the Tacoma (Wash.) News-Tribune, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com.