7 Ex-Lakers Still Looking for Teams Two Months Into Free Agency.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most perplexing teams this offseason, as their front office opted to stand pat and not make significant changes. Despite free agency and trade opportunities, the Lakers decided to keep their roster largely intact. However, Lakers fans aren’t the only ones eagerly anticipating some offseason moves.
Many free agents, including several former Lakers, are still waiting for their next NBA contracts as the new season approaches. Let’s take a look at some familiar names still searching for a spot in the league.
**Talen Horton-Tucker**
Remember when the Lakers viewed Talen Horton-Tucker as untouchable in trade talks? The 6’4″ guard was once considered one of their most valuable assets. Now, a few years later, Horton-Tucker is at risk of falling out of the league.
On paper, Horton-Tucker has the physical attributes and skill set that could make him an intriguing player. He possesses good size, an elite wingspan, defensive potential, and playmaking ability. He can handle the ball, has decent passing vision, and strength to finish plays in traffic.
However, he has struggled to translate these attributes into effective NBA performance.
The 23-year-old spent the last two seasons with Utah. Despite ample opportunities and a chance to showcase his talents, Horton-Tucker has not progressed as hoped. His efficiency has dropped significantly, with a career-low 43.8% shooting on two-pointers and 39.6% overall. Considering his struggles with three-point shooting, these figures are concerning.
It’s challenging to make an impact as a perimeter player without shooting or scoring ability. Horton-Tucker still has potential due to his age but might need to consider playing overseas for a few seasons before making a return to the NBA.
