Elvin Shank
Jul 01, 2023 - 02:10

Report: Lakers sign forward Taurean Prince to a one-year deal in NBA free agency

Los Angeles Lakers sign Taurean Prince to one-year, $4.5 million deal.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move in the offseason by signing free-agent forward Taurean Prince to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. This acquisition was reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and adds depth to the Lakers' roster.

Prince, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and most recently, the Minnesota Timberwolves. He spent the last two seasons with the Timberwolves but had a non-guaranteed deal for this season, which Minnesota decided to waive, making him available as a free agent.

Known for his skills as a traditional 3-and-D forward, Prince excels in shooting from beyond the arc. He made 38.1% of his long-range shots last season and has a career average of 37.2%. Joining the Lakers will provide Prince with the opportunity to play alongside playmaker LeBron James, potentially giving him even better scoring opportunities. While he may not be considered an elite defender, Prince possesses good size and mobility for his position, making him a valuable asset for the Lakers.

The Lakers used their bi-annual exception to sign Prince, which means they still have their entire $12.4 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception available. This gives them the flexibility to pursue other notable players in the market. Additionally, they will retain their Bird Rights on key free agents such as Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and D'Angelo Russell, allowing them to keep the core of last year's team intact while making improvements where needed.

After reaching the Western Conference finals last season, the Lakers understand the importance of maintaining a strong supporting cast around LeBron James, especially as he approaches his 39th birthday. Prince's addition to the team addresses this need and should complement the Lakers' style of play effectively.

Overall, the Lakers' signing of Taurean Prince signifies a strategic move to bolster their roster and increase their chances of success in the upcoming season. With LeBron James leading the way, the Lakers are positioning themselves to compete at a high level and make another deep playoff run.