Report: Lakers interested in re-signing Taurean Prince

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in retaining Taurean Prince, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

“Should Prince return to the Lakers, rival NBA executives project Prince to potentially command a deal somewhere in the range of two years and $11 million, which could be done by using his non-bird rights where the Lakers can offer a contract beginning at 120 percent of his salary from the previous season,” Scotto wrote.

Los Angeles re-signing Prince, a very polarizing figure among the team’s fans, would surely cause many strong reactions. He is coming off a season in which he recorded 8.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while making 39.6 percent of his 3-point shots.

The veteran started off the 2023-24 campaign in the Lakers’ starting lineup, but was eventually moved to the bench by Darvin Ham, who seemed to have a strong affinity for the 30-year-old.

Prince appeared to be more effective coming off the bench in limited minutes rather than playing as a starter. He shot 46.9 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from downtown as a reserve compared to 43.1 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from beyond the arc as a starter.

Mutual interest in a Taurean Prince return

Feb 25, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Taurean Prince (12) reacts after a play during the second quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In late May — before free agency got underway — Prince made it clear that his priority was to re-sign with the Lakers. So, it seems pretty likely that he will stay with the Purple and Gold for at least one more season.

The Texas native holds career averages of 10.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game on 37.6 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s a solid 3-and-D option that could help Los Angeles off the bench.

The Lakers are entering a new era after firing Ham and replacing him with JJ Redick. LeBron James is back in town on a new two-year deal and seems to be fully focused on winning the fifth title of his career in the upcoming season.

Grind doesn’t stop for LeBron 💪

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Los Angeles hasn’t really made any groundbreaking moves this offseason, but it did draft Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Lakers executive Rob Pelinka is apparently operating in the shadows “more so this summer than ever,” which could mean that a big move is on the way.

But for the time being, it seems like Lakers fans will have to settle with re-signings and small moves.

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