“`html
Quick Bytes
- Taurean Prince signs with the Milwaukee Bucks after a season with the Lakers.
- The Lakers aimed to re-sign Prince but lacked roster space for his return.
- Prince reunites with former Lakers coach Darvin Ham, now on the Bucks’ staff.
Bucks Secure Taurean Prince in Free Agency
The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason has taken a turn as Taurean Prince, a valuable player from their previous campaign, signs with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite a slow start to free agency due to new CBA restrictions, the Lakers had hoped to retain Prince, known for his 3-and-D capabilities. Initially a starter, Prince shone brighter coming off the bench, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ performance. However, with a full roster, the Lakers were unable to secure Prince for another season. Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Prince’s new deal with the Bucks is for the veteran minimum, a strategic move for Milwaukee given his defensive prowess and three-point shooting.
Prince, who played 78 games and prefers starting over a bench role, will face a challenge in Milwaukee, where the starting forward positions are held by stars Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His reunion with Darvin Ham, who joined Doc Rivers’ coaching staff with the Bucks, adds a layer of familiarity to his transition. The Lakers, on the other hand, will need to navigate trades to free up roster space for any new signings this offseason.