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NBA News: Lakers new starting 5
With the start of the NBA’s regular season just a couple of days away, the Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup is now set. After initially appearing as though they would start big with either Christian Wood or Jaxson Hayes at center next to Anthony Davis, they decided to instead start wing Taurean Prince.
Taurean Prince To Start Opening Night For Lakers https://t.co/fqepNt5c7D
— RealGM (@RealGM) October 22, 2023
While surprising, Prince does bring some things to the table that could help their starting five. He is a capable defender and an above-average 3-point shooter. His shooting in particular should help the Lakers, who look to have made a concerted effort to improve their 3-point shooting after finishing 27th in attempts and 26th in percentage last season. This move would also allow them to play faster than with two big men on the floor and it goes hand in hand with coach Darvin Ham’s strategy to make Davis a true stretch five.
Playing with shooters at each position is a must in the modern NBA and this lineup should help them keep pace with some of the league’s more explosive offenses. Many of those teams play in the same conference as the Lakers. Not just that but there is a decent chance that they will have to play two of the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Denver Nuggets in the playoffs.