Tayshaun Prince: The Lakers' Defensive Remedy

Ever since the Lakers failed to capture the NBA title, fans have started looking for solutions.

The solution that stood out the most was "defense." The Lakers need to start playing tougher defense to win.

But then again, if their defense was that bad, then how did they manage to get all the way to the finals, taking out the defensive minded Utah Jazz and SA Spurs along the way?

The only problem the Lakers have is the SF position. Of course the return of Andrew Bynum would set the rotation and thus help them play better defense with him patrolling the middle.

This begs the question: Why should the Lakers tamper with a roster that is set to dominate the Western Conference or at least contend for the next three to six years?

Since the NBA Finals it has been pretty apparent that the Lakers are in need of a defensive minded player at the three. Paul Pierce made that statement turn into a Finals MVP trophy.

Almost immediately after the end of Game Six, rumors started to swirl about the Lakers' roster. Most of these rumors were centered around one of the best defensive players at that position, Ron Artest.

However, there is one other player that stands out to whom no one has paid much attention—Tayshaun Prince.

Here are the main reasons why a trade for Prince would be a good fit for the Lakers:

1. Prince's defensive skills are never questioned. Just ask Reggie Miller if in doubt!

2. Detroit GM Joe Dumars has clearly stated that everyone is expendable, therefore they are willing to make the trade. An Artest trade does not seem that likely with the Kings of all teams (who are in the same division as the Lakers). 

3. He is a proven winner with tons of experience that would help the young Lakers' front court prevent any future meltdowns!

4. Vlad Rad or Luke Walton or even both of them should go. If the Lakers are indeed able to land Prince, Odom will move to the three (probably as a backup if not dealt in that trade) along with Ariza, giving the Lakers a solid lineup at the three.

5. Prince is not a ball-hog nor a high scorer, therefore is not going to disturb the Lakers' pecking order. However, he is reliable enough to get the points when needed.

6. Unlike Artest, he does not have off-the-court problems.

If I were Mitch (Lakers GM), I would seriously consider Prince over Artest, but that all depends on what the Pistons ask for in return. The Kings are obviously asking for too much since the Lakers are hesitant to pull the trigger.

Nonetheless, another option is to wait until the start of the season and see how the team is going to function when Bynum makes his long-awaited return. Only then would I shake up the roster if things did not work out right.