Lake Show Life
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Lakers Podcast: Is Talen Horton-Tucker worth a poison pill contract?

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 06: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores on a reverse layup in front of Mason Plumlee #24 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Staples Center on February 06, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 06: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores on a reverse layup in front of Mason Plumlee #24 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Staples Center on February 06, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE. /
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Talen Horton-Tucker has taken the Los Angeles Lakers by storm. The 20-year-old wing is already a valuable component of the Lakers’ rotation and has proven that the sky is the limit for his NBA career.

The problem with that is that is makes THT a hot commodity. THT is going to be a restricted free agent this season and some believe that he could get a poison pill offer sheet from another team. A PP offer sheet pays THT around the MLE for two years before hiking his salary as high as $30 and $32 million in years three and four.

That is the absolute max it could go but it still takes a significant jump. This is crucial for the Lakers, as they will likely be over the salary cap, which does not allow them to use the average salary as the cap hit.

That means that while he will be a smaller cap hit in years one and two of his deal, he could become a massive cap hit in years three and four.

Is THT worth that kind of contract? Should the Lakers match any offer that is made? What should the limit be for LA?

We break down the Lakers’ situation in the latest episode of the Lake Show Life podcast.

There is some value in matching THT, even in a big deal. The podcast breaks down the new doors that could be opened if the Lakers do match the offer as well as some of the hurdles that they will have to overcome in order to do so.

Also in the podcast, I break down the purple and gold players for the two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder. I went with Al Horford and Montrezl Harrell and you can read why in the podcast.

I also continued my betting picks for the season. According to the Bet MGM odds on the Action Network, the Lakers are 10.5-point favorites with a point total set at 219.5. With a season record of 23-19, I am going with:

  • Oklahoma City Thunder +10.5, under 219.5 (Final score: Los Angeles Lakers 107, Oklahoma City Thunder 100)

I think the under in this game is a bonafide lock, so much so that I made it a Reedies lock. I also cannot see the Lakers winning by 11 or more points in this game while coming off of double overtime without Anthony Davis.

dark. Next. 5 defensive wings the Lakers should target

The Lakers have no reason to go full effort in this game and play for the blowout. It will be a comfortable seven-point win in which the Thunder cover.

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