4. Talen Horton-Tucker
Entering year three, I have a feeling we’re going to get to know Talen Horton-Tucker a lot more and we’re going to find out an awful lot about the player that he is or can be. If the Lakers are going to compete with the likes of the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference, they’re going to need to see a breakout year from THT.
The Lakers refused to include him in several deals at the NBA Trade Deadline last season and it’s about time we really understand why. THT could be the dark horse piece that makes this Lakers team overwhelming in the West this season.
If THT is the player that many believe he can be, perhaps it’s time that we view the Lakers are the untouchable favorites in the West. We have to wait and see, however.