Has Darvin Ham Settled on Taurean Prince as the Starting Small Forward for the Lakers?

The Lakers finished off another successful weekend of preseason basketball at the Crypt. Yes, they lost both games (Friday to Golden State, Sunday to Milwaukee) but in the moments where rotation players were on the floor, the Lakers continued to play very solid basketball. And the offense, particularly, has been outstanding. Not just the shooting from 3-point range, but all around the floor. Anthony Davis has looked great in his minutes, with a solid shooting stroke and the activity level the Lakers need from him. Darvin Ham called him the "heart and soul" of the team, and this is no accident. What exactly are Ham (and Rob Pelinka, and LeBron, who also speak in similar terms) trying to accomplish with this kind of praise? And what about the outside shooting? Is it too early to believe that the Lakers are just destined to be a high quality shooting team? What would that mean for them, because even when they've been good, the perimeter shooting has been a little dodgy. If that changes? One reason it has, at least in the rehearsal games? Taurean Prince, who hit four of five 3-point attempts on Friday, then another two of five on Sunday. Overall, he's been remarkably efficient, and has helped elevate that starting unit with excellent spacing, good energy and timely runs to the basket. While Ham still hasn't confirmed anything, it seems like Prince has that starting small forward gig sewed up. Not just because Vanderbilt is dealing with a heel problem that kept him out of this weekend's games, and will do the same in the preseason finale - essentially a dress rehearsal for the regular season opener. Ham wouldn't commit to Vanderbilt being available for the opener, either, for that matter, which is a change from last week. So if Vando doesn't start... when does he play? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Reaction to this weekend's games. The Lakers looked good, even if the scores didn't show it. SEGMENT 2: AD is having a great preseason, the shooting looks good, and Taurean Prince seems to have won the SF job. SEGMENT 3: If Vando doesn't start... when does he play? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Jase Medical Get $20 off these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free water bottle with any purchase. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month.  FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices