Not too long ago, Talen Horton-Tucker was considered one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ most prized young assets. At just 20 years old, his size, versatility, and flashes of offensive creativity had the front office so convinced of his upside that they refused to part with him in a potential blockbuster trade for Kyle Lowry.
Rob Pelinka drew the line at including THT, believing the young guard-forward hybrid could blossom into the Lakers’ future cornerstone.
Fast forward four years, and that belief has evaporated. Horton-Tucker, once “untouchable,” is now out of the NBA. After stints with the Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Chicago Bulls, he signed with Fenerbahce Beko of the Turkish Basketball Super League and EuroLeague.
At just 24, his NBA career has stalled, and a return to the league would likely take a few years of standout play overseas.
The downfall feels even more dramatic when considering the decisions tied to him. The Lakers not only passed on Lowry, but they also prioritized Horton-Tucker over Alex Caruso in 2021. Caruso, a fan favorite and defensive anchor, was willing to stay in Los Angeles for two years and $20 million.
The Lakers countered with an underwhelming offer, ultimately letting him walk to Chicago. Instead, they handed THT a three-year, $31 million deal. Caruso went on to become one of the NBA’s best role players, a championship-level glue guy, and is now thriving with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he just won another ring as part of their historic 2025 title run.
Horton-Tucker never lived up to the billing. His best year came with the Jazz, where he averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 41.9 percent from the field. Solid, but hardly the kind of production that justified blocking a trade for a six-time All-Star in Lowry.
By the time he landed in Chicago, his numbers dipped again, 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in what became his final NBA season. His career averages of 9.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on inefficient shooting painted the picture of a player who never made the leap.
What made Horton-Tucker so appealing at the start was his unusual build. At 6’4” with a 7’1” wingspan and a stocky, powerful frame, he could theoretically guard multiple positions and create mismatches offensively.
The Lakers envisioned him as a modern-day combo guard who could handle the ball, attack the rim, and defend wings. Instead, his lack of consistent shooting, questionable decision-making, and limited off-ball impact kept him from finding a permanent role.
The cruelest irony is how the Lakers’ gamble has aged. Lowry went on to help the Miami Heat make another Finals run. Caruso is still an elite defender and one of the most respected role players in the game. Meanwhile, the “untouchable” piece in those conversations is now battling to keep his professional career alive overseas.
For Horton-Tucker, the EuroLeague could be his proving ground. Plenty of NBA players have revived their careers abroad, but it takes years of dominance and growth. The door isn’t closed entirely, but the chapter of him being viewed as the Lakers’ next great piece is long gone.
From untouchable to unemployed in the NBA, it’s one of the league’s sharpest falls in recent memory.
