We have known for a while that LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell will be starters for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023-24 season. The fifth spot was up for grabs, though, and head coach Darvin Ham revealed that Taurean Prince would be the final starter on opening night against the Denver Nuggets.
“Darvin Ham says Taurean Prince will start on opening night. Calls the start ‘circumstantial.’ Jarred Vanderbilt remains day to day with his heel but Ham says ‘in all likelihood’ Vando will not be available on Tuesday.”
Darvin Ham says Taurean Prince will start on opening night. Calls the start “circumstantial.” Jarred Vanderbilt remains day to day with his heel but Ham says “in all likelihood” Vando will not be available on Tuesday.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 21, 2023
It seems clear that Jarred Vanderbilt would have started had he been healthy, but Prince, who averaged 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.5 steals per game for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, now gets a chance to impress early on. A strong showing against the defending champions might just lead to Ham giving him an extended run in the lineup.
NBA Fans Reacted To The Lakers’ Starting Lineup Against The Nuggets
It is an interesting decision by Ham to go with Prince over Rui Hachimura, who had some success against the Nuggets in the playoffs last season. NBA fans reacted to this lineup that the Lakers will be putting out for the opener.
A Lakers fan is worried after seeing this lineup.
https://twitter.com/HoYouFatWrld/status/1715823257566224890
One claimed there isn’t a starting five in the league that can beat this unit.
https://twitter.com/CR7_Vision/status/1715823360251146523
A fan says Hachimura should have been the fifth starter.
https://twitter.com/SquidwardsRage/status/1715844472012161267
These five will dominate teams, as per one fan.
https://twitter.com/PolinaVol95/status/1715831427030270430
A fan found it funny that Davis will again have to play at center.
Every year AD is like “ I’m so glad we got this center so I can play PF” and ends up playing center 😭
— Bobby Foster 💭🎬 (@iambobbyfoster) October 21, 2023
I’d say this is a pretty good starting five, with multiple scorers and playmakers, which is so important. With Davis manning the paint, they’ll be just fine defensively as well, and Prince should help on that end too.
The only real concern I’d have is rebounding against what is a big frontcourt for Denver. Don’t be surprised if Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood end up playing a little bit more than you’d expect because of it.
The Lakers Will Be Keen To Make A Statement
Opening night is always so special, but this game means a little bit more than the ones the Lakers have played in the past. The Nuggets swept them in the Western Conference Finals last season and have been taking some shots at them after that as well.
Davis threw some shade at the Nuggets and stated he and LeBron can’t wait for the game. James also sent an ominous message about getting revenge against head coach Michael Malone, and it’s clear the Lakers are keen to make a statement against them.
While a regular season win doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, the Lakers would be keen to end this losing streak against Denver. They have now lost the last five meetings between these sides, and you don’t want a mental block of sorts to develop against a team that you will, in all likelihood, have to go through to win a championship.
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