Even after a horrendous season for the Lakeshow, there is reason to be optimistic about the future.
Besides, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers also have Talen Horton-Tucker to look to going forward. Rob Pelinka bought into the 21-year-old last summer, and while he still has a lot to improve, he has shown a desire to grow his game and increase his role.
Speaking to the media, he explained how he intends to get better for the 2022-23 campaign.
“Just being consistent this year,” Horton-Tucker said. “That was the most important thing this year coming into the year that I wanted to do. Not having it was kind of frustrating, but I feel like that’s what we have the summer for, and that’s when I can try to lock in.”
THT did have a disappointing season, and there are multiple factors to blame for that. But when given the chance to shine, Tucker showed that he is capable of stepping up.
Specifically, he revealed why he was able to dominate when LeBron James was off the floor.
“I feel like every situation that I’ve been in is almost like a learning experience,” Horton-Tucker said. “Being on the ball, off the ball, it’s experience that you need. Obviously I felt better with the ball in my hands and I felt I had success with that, but just learning to play with stars was the most important thing they wanted me to do.”
“During those stretches I got to play a lot more. Bron was out to start, and then to finish the season we had some other guys out. Just the opportunity to have the ball in my hands and play and be at my best… It felt good to actually do that.”
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka will have his work cut out for him this summer. After finishing 11th, it’s clear that many changes need to be made to the roster.
Unfortunately, THT could be a part of those changes, as he stands as one of the team’s most valuable trade assets.
Either way, we can expect more from him next season as he develops his game and learns how to be a more consistent contributor.
