Taurean Prince earns final Lakers starting spot

Head coach Darvin Ham announced on Saturday that Taurean Prince has earned the Lakers’ final starting spot.

Ham said it is partially circumstantial, as Jarred Vanderbilt will likely be out for the season opener.

Prince was an offseason signing by LA and came in on a one-year $4.5 million deal. The 29-year-old forward is a 3&D wing who fits well alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Last season, Prince averaged 9/2/2 for the Timberwolves, shooting 46.7% from the field and 38.1% from three.

Prince prides himself on being a great defender and believes he can shoot over 40% from three this season. On media day, Prince proclaimed, “I will shoot 40% from 3 this season.”

His shooting provides great spacing in the starting lineup with D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, James, and Davis. His defense will have him take on the opposing team’s top forward, which takes the pressure off of James defensively.

James and Davis are great at putting pressure on the rim, forcing defenses to protect the paint. A knockdown shooter like Prince will thrive on open looks from three this season.

Starting Prince is an excellent call from Ham. The Lakers lineup has a ton of versatility defensively and elite shooting around James and Davis.

We will see this lineup and the season begin on Tuesday night as the Lakers take on the defending champion Nuggets.