NBA season preview: 5 big questions for the Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the basketball court together during the second half of a preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 13: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 13, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

3. Can Talen Horton-Tucker develop enough to close games?

The Lakers made a big bet on Horton-Tucker when they signed him to a three-year, $30.78 million in free agency. That’s a lot of cash for a wing that played big minutes last season while shooting just 28.3% from behind the arc.

Clearly, long-range shooting isn’t what got Horton-Tucker such a strong financial commitment. He’s a big, strong wing that has the potential to guard the best offensive threes and fours in the league. His defense hasn’t developed to that point yet, but he has the physical tools to get there in short order.

It’s still his offensive efficiency that needs to improve if he’s going to earn enough minutes to let his defensive value really pay off. Upping his 3-point percentage to somewhere in the mid-30s would be a great place to start. That, combined with some improved cutting skills could turn Horton-Tucker into a serviceable offensive player on the wing.

That’s what Los Angeles needs from him if they’re going to trust him with crunch time minutes. Starting the season on the shelf with an injured thumb isn’t going to help speed up his development. Horton-Tucker winning the right to close games at the three is crucial for the Lakers’ title hopes nonetheless.

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