Los Angeles Lakers: Players who will shock casual NBA fans in the playoffs

By Jason Reed | May 16, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 15: LeBron James #23 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate after a play in the game against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Talen Horton-Tucker, for good reasons

I predicted that Talen Horton-Tucker would essentially be removed from the Los Angeles Lakers playoff rotation and would be averaging under 10 minutes per game in the playoffs. The logic was simple: THT is young and inexperienced and the Lakers have an insanely deep rotation.

However, THT getting 25 minutes against the Pacers when LeBron returned has me thinking that I was wrong and he is going to get a role in the rotation. Granted, Alex Caruso did not play against Indiana but it is unlikely that Wesley Matthews and Ben McLemore are going to combine for 25 minutes a game in the playoffs as they did against Indiana.

THT did get a tad overrated by Laker fans after the preseason but the truth of the matter is that he is a legitimate two-way asset that has a ton of potential. Sure, his three-point shot needs a lot of work, but he is someone who can already play above-average defense, utilizing his size and wingspan as a weapon for the Lakers.

This is going to be THT’s first real chance to showcase his talents on a national stage consistently and people are going to realize that the kid can play. This is not a case of the Lakers simply overhyping their young talent but that THT is going to be a really valuable player for any contending team for the next decade-plus.

Home/Lakers News