The Lakers have undoubtedly made some of the best moves in the offseason. They have secured a roster that can possibly compete for a championship. In fact, the Lakers were recently praised for an under-the-radar signing, and it’s not Christian Wood.
On the "Old Man and The Three Podcast" hosted by former NBA player and analyst JJ Redick, they pointed to one key player the Lakers acquired. It was Taurean Prince. The former Timberwolves player was waived on June 28, 2023. He was picked up only eight days later on a one-year deal worth $4.5 million.
Prince is added to a roster that is in need of some shooting. That is the reason he becomes an under-the-radar signing, one that no one expected might be valuable to the team. The eight-year veteran shot the three-ball at 38% last season. He also put up nine points while averaging only 22 minutes played.
What was pointed out on the podcast, though, was that Prince shoots “the corner three at 41.7% for his career.” Over the past three seasons, he “shot the corner three at 44%.” That becomes extremely valuable to a Lakers team that shot the three ball at only 34% last season.
Another reason why this becomes an under the radar signing for the Lakers is Prince’s length. He is a 6-foot-7 small forward who can guard multiple positions on the floor. He has a career defensive rating of 111.7, which is really good. For context, Giannis had the lowest defensive rating, which is desirable, at 107.7.
The Lakers have made headlines signing Christian Wood and Gabe Vincent, and re-signing players like Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis. They are all expected to make a significant impact on the team. However, an under-the-radar signing and perhaps an underrated valuable player for the Lakers could be Prince.
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