The Lakers will have plenty of decisions to make this offseason when it comes to retaining players. With over half of their roster potentially hitting free agency, one player has already expressed his desire to come back.
Lakers Rumors: Polarizing Player Eyeing Return in Free Agency
Taurean Prince Wants to Stay
Veteran wing Taurean Prince recently appeared on the Lakers Nation YouTube channel to reflect on the season and discuss his pending free agency. When asked by host Trevor Lane where his mindset is in free agency, Prince replied that he and his family want to stick around.
“The quality of life in Los Angeles is something that myself and my family [haven’t] had in probably, like, three or four seasons, so to stay here would definitely be [priority] number one. If not that, then wherever the dominoes fall and wherever is best, that’s where I’ll be. I for sure want to be a Laker, 100%.”
In 78 games (49 starts), the 30-year-old averaged nearly nine points per game while shooting 44% from the field and 39.6% from three. He also contributed 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.7 steals a night.
Prince’s first season as a Laker was inconsistent at best. While he was able to show off some scoring bursts at the start of the year, he became less productive towards the midway point of the season. He was eventually benched for Rui Hachimura after starting 47 of LA’s first 50 games. Prince was still solid with the second unit, posting an average of 7.8 points on 47% shooting from the field and 43% from three.
Between the two roles, Prince said he prefers to be in the starting lineup:
“I think I’m a starter in this league, I think I still could be. But at the same time, I’m very professional, very aware, depending on the roster, etc. of what my role could be coming off the bench. I’m completely content with that. It just depends on the roster and the position that the team is in.”
Should the Lakers Re-Sign Prince?
Despite drawing ire from fans over his ineffectiveness as a starter, the Lakers should try to re-sign Prince in free agency. He was still one of LA’s best shooters this season, making the fourth-most threes on the year (141). He also gave the Lakers some much-needed size in the frontcourt, especially defensively, where he often took on opposing guards and forwards. Prince’s versatility and flexibility were key for the Lakers this season.
If both sides are open to a return, a veteran minimum contract would be the best case scenario for Prince. The Lakers will have their backs against the wall when it comes to cap space, and they likely won’t be able to justify bringing Prince back on the same biannual exception they signed him to a year ago. Depending on how next year’s roster looks, Prince could easily fit in as a backup wing to LeBron James—and only start if needed. Prince has been successful in playing his role to a tee, and he proved that at various points this season. If he is still willing to accept a role off the bench—as he’s done in years past—then there should be no problem with him rejoining the purple and gold.
