15 Potential Lakers free agent targets with ties to LeBron James
By Tyler Watts
11. Talen Horton-Tucker
The Lakers drafted THT in the second round in 2019. He appeared in just eight games, including the playoffs during their 2020 championship run, but jumped into the rotation in year two. Horton-Tucker averaged 9.0 points, 2.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 20.1 minutes per game. The 20-year-old showed promise, and the Lakers decided to sign him over Alex Caruso in the 2021 offseason. It was a bold move that did not work out.
THT’s demise in Los Angeles came quickly. He never developed a jumper and now had the pressure of living up to a three-year $30 million contract. The Lakers refused to trade him for Kyle Lowry in 2021 and picked him over Caruso. Watching Horton-Tucker struggle as those two thrived made things even worse.
The Lakers reportedly got first-round pick offers in 2021 but ended up trading him with Stanley Johnson to the Jazz for Patrick Beverley one year later. THT has played the last two seasons in Utah where he settled into a 20-minute per game as a shot creator and scorer. He continues to struggle with his jumper and finding the right defensive matchup is not easy.
LeBron James is a believer in Talen Horton-Tucker, and the Los Angeles Lakers could bring him back this summer. The 6’4 wing will be an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any franchise.