One of the biggest signings for your Los Angeles Lakers this offseason was forward Taurean Prince. The 6’7” vet comes over after spending the last bit of time in Minnesota, and he has some familiarity with a few members of the Lakers already.
Point guard D’Angelo Russell and forward Jarred Vanderbilt both played alongside him with the Timberwolves, adding more continuity to the roster. Prince was brought in to defend and shoot three-pointers at a high level. He has excelled at both throughout his career, and this season could end up being his most productive yet.
He has never played alongside players who can attack the rim like the duo of James and David, which should leave him open for shot attempts. If he can knock down his shots, the Lakers will be in great shape.
“For one, the best way for role players on the wing to fit in alongside James and Davis is by knocking down their open three-pointers. There may not be a one-two punch in the league that draws the defense into the lane more than the James and Davis combination, so there will be no shortage of opportunities for the others to connect from deep.”
Prince can also hold his own on defense as well. He gives the Lakers a nice wing option to use against some of the stronger teams in the league. While he isn’t a lockdown defender, Prince has shown an ability to be physical.
“Opponents shot 2.4 percent worse than their normal averages from within 10 feet of the basket when Prince defended them last season, per NBA.com. He possesses the physicality to go against bigger players, which means James and Davis won't have to battle as much in the lane and on the blocks.”
He also has the length to be used in smaller lineups, something that the Lakers will do at different times this season. Prince can take on smaller big men on both sides of the floor, something LA didn’t have last season.
“Prince can also play the power forward in smaller lineups or small forward in bigger lineups, giving Ham more options in crunch time depending on the matchup.”
All in all, Prince was a huge signing for this Lakers team. He might be underrated right now, but come the end of the season, everyone should know exactly who he is going forward.
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