The LA Lakers made a series of off-season moves to enhance their depth and are already benefiting from those investments. As the NBA pre-season concluded, Darvin Ham is preparing his team for their first regular-season game against the defending champions Denver Nuggets. He has announced his starting lineup days before the opening night, establishing a strong foundation for the team.
According to the Lakers’ depth chart in ESPN, the team is expected to field D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Anthony Davis as their regular starting five. This lineup is anticipated to provide an explosive combination of experience and young talent, which could prove crucial throughout the 2021-2022 NBA season.
However, ESPN beat reporter Dave McMenamin shared on X (formerly Twitter) that there has been a change in the team’s plans. The Lakers will now be fielding Taurean Prince, instead of Jarred Vanderbilt. This update indicates that the coaching staff is continually evaluating their players’ performance and adjusting the lineup accordingly to optimize their chances for success.
The Lakers’ opening game against the Denver Nuggets will be a true test of their revamped roster and the effectiveness of their off-season moves. With a mix of seasoned veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as well as emerging talents such as D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, the team is poised to be a formidable contender throughout the season. The inclusion of Taurean Prince in the starting lineup adds another dimension to the Lakers’ already impressive roster and could deliver a significant impact on their performance.
