It’s fair to say Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker didn’t meet expectations this season, especially months after signing a new contract extension worth about $30 million over three years.
But calling him a disappointment or even a bust is way too premature.
All the circumstances of this season — key injuries that led to roster and lineup instability, plus the presence of Russell Westbrook — led to Horton-Tucker being relegated to situations he doesn’t excel in.
At this point of his career, he is a player who is much more effective with the ball in his hands than without.
But Horton-Tucker can still be a key part of a potential Lakers revival next season.