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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players who could force their way into starting five

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on April 04, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on April 04, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Talen Horton-Tucker

The Los Angeles Lakers essentially had to choose between paying Talen Horton-Tucker and Alex Caruso. While the team could have signed both, the tax bill if they did would have been substantial, so they could only give out one contract. They gave it out to THT.

THT is now going to have to step up and provide more for the Lakers. Caruso was a huge part of the team’s defense and was the most important defensive player in the backcourt. The Lakers did not really sign any defensive wizards so THT is going to have to step up.

He has all the makings of being a great defender. THT has already proven to be an above-average defensive player and his athleticism and length give him a very high ceiling. The hope for the Lakers is that he reaches that defensive ceiling sooner rather than later.

THT is not a great shooter like Monk or Carmelo and is likely not going to play his way into the starting lineup that way. Instead, it is that perimeter defense that could lead to him getting the starting nod.

The Lakers have a really fun route they can go down because of their size. The team can run a three guard lineup similar to what Oklahoma City did two years ago with Chris Paul, Dennis Schroder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Next. Predicting every game of the 2021-22 season. dark

A starting five of Westbrook, Ellington/Monk, THT, LeBron and Anthony Davis could do some damage. If Monk works his way into the starting five as well then that is a really athletic starting five.

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