Your Los Angeles Lakers have revealed who will step up in lieu of All-Star forward LeBron James, resting on the second night of a back-to-back (as should be his prerogative, given that the 39-year-old is the NBA’s oldest player).
Small forward Taurean Prince, long a favorite of head coach Darvin Ham, will take on official starting duties. Here’s LA’s full first five:
Ham had clung to the concept of Prince as a starter long after it had made sense. A solid 3-and-D player against opposing benches, his limitations defensively on the perimeter became pretty apparent when he was matched up with starting wings. Hachimura may have some positional overlap with James, but the Gonzaga product’s athleticsim and upside as a scorer and shooter make him a far more fun fit. Prince is wholly competent, and against the Jazz that may be enough.
Utah, meanwhile, will trot a formidable frontcourt, boasting three players who stand 6’9” or taller in All-Star combo forward Lauri Markkanen, power forward John Collins, and second-year center Walker Kessler. Collin Sexton will run point, and young gun Keyonte George will start alongside him at shooting guard.
Playing on the road and without James, the Lakers are +5.5 underdogs. Certainly, 29-26 LA should still have enough talent to vanquish 26-28 Utah. But does it have the will?
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