Los Angeles Lakers: Why Talen Horton-Tucker isn't untouchable in trades

Los Angeles Lakers: Why Talen Horton-Tucker isn’t untouchable in trades

By Jason Reed | Jul 17, 2021

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) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Talen Horton-Tucker is the youngest player on the Los Angeles Lakers and has a lot of potential. THT had a phenomenal preseason prior to the 2020-21 season and while he did not follow that up in the regular season, the seeds of success are there.

THT showed playmaking ability that most 20-year-olds simply do not possess. His floor vision, ability to finish at the rim and his defense make him a rotation player in the making. If he can develop his shot and become more lethal from the floor then he has serious potential.

He is the blend of physical traits and potential, and for that reason, many Laker fans view him as untouchable this offseason.

Heck, the Lakers reportedly did not want to trade him at the deadline, either. The biggest reported reason why the Lakers did not trade for Kyle Lowry at the deadline is that Toronto was asking for THT in the package. While likely true, that is not guaranteed to carry over to the offseason.

Talen Horton-Tucker likely isn’t untouchable in trades for the Los Angeles Lakers.

This is by no means a petition to trade Talen Horton-Tucker. If the Lakers can conduct a great offseason that keeps him in LA then that is the best-case scenario. In fact, in my proposed dream offseason, the Lakers re-sign THT (who is a restricted free agent this offseason).

The fact that they have to re-sign him is part of the reason why a trade is possible. Again, the price would have to be right, but let’s break down the reasons why THT is not untouchable this offseason.

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