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Darvin Ham Makes Surprise Change To Healthy First Five Vs New York

Originally posted on FanNation All Lakers
By Martand Bhagavatula | Last updated 2/3/24

As the New York Knicks attempt to pick up their 10th straight win, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the rest of a new-look starting five will look to play spoiler.

For the first time this season when healthy, Taurean Prince has been relegated to the bench in favor of Rui Hachimura, who will start at forward in his place. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, he'll join the rest of head coach Darvin Ham's typical starters: D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron, and AD.

Lakers’ starters vs. New York:

D’Angelo Russell
Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Anthony Davis

Taurean Prince moves to the bench.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 4, 2024

Many would argue that this is the best long-term starting group for the team, but big picture aside, it's definitely the best group for tonight's matchup against a highly physical, big Knicks squad.

Despite missing their entire starting frontcourt for the past 3 games (and individual players for longer), the Knicks have turned to their depth: Josh Hart, Precious Achiuwa, and Isaiah Hartenstein to be elite on the offensive and defensive glass, as well as defensively, making opposing teams' lives much harder inside the arc.

To that end, Hachimura, who is a bruising, physical forward, matches up much better with the likes of Achiuwa and even Josh Hart, who is just 6-foot-5 but plays much bigger (double digit rebounds in each of the past 3 games).

Expect a dogfight tonight – which the Lakers typically win, and especially with this lineup, have a much better chance

This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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