The Los Angeles Lakers have looked good in their preseason games as the regulars have meshed well and LeBron James and Anthony Davis look healthy
The Lakers have one more preseason game this Thursday against the Phoenix Suns before they tip off the 2023-24 NBA season against the Denver Nuggets.
Los Angeles was considered by many to be the winner of free agency as they retained their core of free agents while also signing more depth and talent across every position.
Darvin Ham now has the enviable task of trying to figure out a rotation because nearly every player on the roster has a case to play impactful minutes.
One of the remaining questions Ham has to answer is who the fifth starter will be next to D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, James, and Davis.
However, Ham remains mum on the subject even with the regular season approaching via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Darvin Ham is still unwilling to name his 5th starter for opening night, despite my best efforts. Seems pretty clear it’s between Taurean Prince and the incumbent, Jarred Vanderbilt. If Vando (heel) is cleared Friday, he’ll still have 3-4 days to ramp up before DEN pic.twitter.com/0sdONwy8cB
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 17, 2023
The most likely outcome at this point is Taurean Prince who has gotten extended looks next to the other starters in preseason so far.
Jarred Vanderbilt has missed the past four contests due to his heel and it feels like he’ll ultimately have to come off the bench.
However, having Prince start might be the best move for Ham and the Lakers as the 3-and-D wing has shown he can shoot from the outside and play physical defense.
There’s no question that Los Angeles has one of the best rosters in the league and it’ll be interesting to see who Ham ultimately decides to roll with next week.
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