The champions, Los Angeles Lakers, had one of the finest off-seasons in the NBA. During the pre-season games, the new players got their due game time, but only one player dominated the headlines, Talen Horton Tucker.

The 20-year-old, who spent most of the 2019-20 season in the G-league, had an appearance or two last season. But he jumped onto the scene when he torched the LA Clippers in the first 2 preseason games.

This amazing start to the season has seen him play more minutes for the Lakers and has been a part of the rotation. An all-round player, Tucker can be a potent weapon in coach Vogel’s arsenal.

In a recent episode of the Backstage Lakers, coach Vogel revealed that the 6’4″ guard is a secret weapon for the team. He said, “Last year Alex was my secret weapon. This year Talen is my secret weapon.”

That’s some high praise from coach Vogel, especially given how inexperienced THT is. Is he really the X-Factor for the Lakers?

Is Lakers’ Talen Horton Tucker the real deal?

When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Talen Horton Tucker as the 46th pick in the 2019 Draft, the expectations were not too lofty. Although he dominated the G-League, opportunities in the Lakers rotation were sparse for him.

Fast forward to a fantastic pre-season, THT has played almost 4 times the minutes he played last season. He has been used as a backup guard for the roster and used more of a spark plug for now.

Trending

Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series

April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT

Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract

April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT

Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?

April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

Nate Robinson’s Tragic Situation Receives Genuine Moment of Empathy from Stephen A. Smith

April 14, 2024 10:18 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The 20-year-old has all the ingredients to be a great 2-way player. He has a massive 7’1″ wingspan, making him a potent addition to the defense.

He has also shown flashes of brilliance on the offensive end, with a good finish across the rim and a decent jumper shooting 31.6% from the perimeter.

He has already notched some memorable performances this season. Against a fierce opponent in the Denver Nuggets, THT came off the bench and put up a show scoring 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals in just 22 mins on the court.

He is yet to find some consistency on the floor though, but given how inexperienced he is, it is understandable. The Lakers have an absolute steal in THT. Can they help him reach the next level?