NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Sophomore Guard Likely To Leave Hollywood Next Summer

The Los Angeles Lakers roster is overwhelming and it would take much for any player to stand out. One guy that has quietly made a name for himself is Talen Horton-Tucker.

From a virtual unknown last season, the 20-year-old player started to make waves in the preseason. But in the eyes of most, that is nothing compared to the regular season where Horton-Tucker would have to prove he deserves minutes on the court.

The 6-foot-4 player has made the most out of the spot minutes given to him. However, he shone brightly against the Houston Rockets, he finished with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists in 21 minutes of action.

Considering he has only been averaging 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 16.9 minutes, those were big regular-season numbers. But the reality is that Horton-Tucker could do more if he had more playing time regularly, the Los Angeles Times reported. Most believe that will not happen for as long as he is with the purple and gold.

That break could happen in the summer. Currently earning a measly $1.2 million per year, the 46th pick of the 2019 NBA Draft could earn a big pay raise if other NBA clubs are willing to invest and pluck him out of Hollywood.

According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, teams who could make a go at Horton-Tucker include the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Dallas Mavericks. However, expect the Lakers to try and keep him.

But the scenario would change if some team offers a ridiculously high pitch to THT. With the Lakers strapped for cash, that could force the hand of Rob Pelinka to part with the promising young star.

With the 2020-21 NBA season still ongoing, other teams would enter the fray and check out Horton-Tucker’s availability. Hence at some point, he may have to decide on whether to stay on with the Lakers and possibly win more rings but with fewer chances of showing his real talent.

Seeing that he already has an NBA ring, and possibly a second one if the Lakers make it back-to-back, it may be time for him to look out for his career. With the Lakers that is unlikely to happen so the wise choice is to explore the market and get a handsome deal in the process.