From Lakers To Limbo: The Uncertain Future Of Talen Horton-Tucker

Now that most of the deals in free agency are done with, it is a barren landscape in the NBA. However, for a select few stars, deals are yet to come through. For them, the news cycle has been nothing short of torturous as they await a potential call to join an NBA roster.

Among those names is former Los Angeles Laker Talen Horton-Tucker. After finishing off the final year of his three-year contract that he originally signed with LA, Tucker doesn’t have any offers yet.

But, what might be even more depressing for Horton is the future. Because if the rumors mills are true, then no deals are coming, at least immediately. Initially, there was some level of interest from the Dallas Mavericks. As a backup option behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Talen could thrive in Texas. However, since then, the Mavs found an upgrade in the form of Spencer Dinwiddie. Now, adding THT would be a waste of resources for them.

At this point, the only real interest for Horton-Tucker seems to be from European clubs with his NBA career appearing to be very much dwindling.

Where did it go wrong for Talen Horton-Tucker?

For much of his career with the Lakers, Talen Horton-Tucker was a relative no-name. However, during the dying stages of the 2020-21 season, when the team was all but done with playoff hopes, Tucker came alive. Becoming a bonafide scorer and creator with the ball in his hands, he even had a 40-point explosion. Seeing the potential in the young kid, Los Angeles jumped the gun, signing him to a 3-year, $30 million extension.

Unfortunately, by the end of the next season, it was clear that there wasn’t much there. Since then, there hasn’t been any real growth from the once promising name. Instead, in two seasons with the Utah Jazz, his career has become stagnant.

Last year, despite getting just 20-odd minutes on a struggling lottery team, Horton couldn’t manage beyond 10 ppg. Further, his 3-point shot hasn’t come around, stagnating under 30% for his career.

After finishing out his contract with no new offers coming, it might be time for THT to reevaluate his career arc. Rather than focusing on developing into a star, he could take a backseat role as the lead initiator for off-the-bench units. With contributions on a strong contender, raising his value that way might be the best, and frankly only, option available for him.

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