Talen Horton-Tucker dubbed biggest X-factor for Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are still acclimating on the court after adding 14 faces to the roster this season.
Los Angeles had only three players return from last season: LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Talen Horton-Tucker.
The two stars jump out, but Horton-Tucker is the intriguing piece on the squad. The third-year guard is only 21 years old, and he has lofty expectations on his shoulder after L.A. re-signed him to a hefty three-year extension over the summer.
Among the players on the team, Horton-Tucker has been dubbed the biggest X-factor for the Lakers, via Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report:
Scan the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster, and the lack of reliable defensive wing options explodes off the page…
Talen Horton-Tucker has the tools — length, a wide frame, good lateral quickness — to wrangle tough wings, though he’s inexperienced and lacks a track record of results. Unless Trevor Ariza has a renaissance upon his return from ankle surgery at age 36 or LeBron James further taxes himself by taking on difficult matchups, Horton-Tucker may have to check the Devin Bookers, Jayson Tatums and Paul Georges of the world.
That’s a tall order for a 21-year-old who’s also being asked to provide supplemental scoring and facilitation.
Horton-Tucker missed the first 13 games of the season, but he was immediately thrust into a heavy-minute role upon his return. He’s still finding his form, and he could be the player who helps the Lakers find theirs.
Horton-Tucker missed the start of the season due to a thumb injury but has played in 13 games since returning. He’s averaging 10.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 28.6 minutes per game on 38.3% shooting overall and 25.6% from deep.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said the team is grooming Horton-Tucker to defend the opposition’s best player, which aligns with Hughes’ analysis of the young guard.
The Lakers are balancing a tough line with trying to develop the youngest player on the roster while trying to win now. Horton-Tucker showed impressive flashes in his first three games back but has not performed at the same level since. He will need to rediscover that form to give the Lakers a better chance at earning title No. 18.
List
Lakers schedule: Key matchups in December to watch for
