Lakers: 3 free agents Los Angeles needs to re-sign
Talen Horton-Tucker
The Lakers found a diamond-in-the-rough in Talen Horton-Tucker.
The former Iowa State guard was selected 46th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Magic, who promptly traded him to LA. It turned out to be a savvy exchange as Horton-Tucker looks like a bright young prospect more than capable of filling out an NBA roster.
He saw some action in the bubble with the Lakers last year, but he really came alive during the 2020-21 season by averaging nine points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.8 and one steal per game.
He even worked his way into the starting lineup for five games in the final couple of months of the regular-season play. His ability to drive to the basket and create shots gave defenses something to worry about.
The fact that Horton-Tucker is just 20 years old is a plus. He’s not a perfect player, but he’s young and just needs time to grow. He can work on his three-point shot. He can put more focus into defense. It’s a matter of effort and he seems willing to give it.
It would be worth the investment to give him a new contract while he’s a restricted free agent and see just how high his ceiling might be.