Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Gameday > Lakers News: Frank Vogel Evaluates Talen Horton-Tucker’s Season To This Point
GamedayLakers News

Lakers News: Frank Vogel Evaluates Talen Horton-Tucker’s Season To This Point

Damian Burchardt
Published: 03/14/2021
3 Min Read
Talen Horton-Tucker
Adam Hagy-NBAE
SHARE

Talen Horton-Tucker remains a major part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation this season thanks to his rapid progress combined with personnel issues affecting the defending NBA champions in recent weeks.

The 20-year-old guard is averaging over 17 minutes per game and has already made 34 appearances during the 2020-21 campaign, a major upgrade compared to the six games he played for L.A. in his rookie season. His shifts off the bench often provide the Lakers with an energy boost and vigor characteristic for a young, talented player.

Head coach Frank Vogel said he admires Horton-Tucker’s hustle. However, he pointed out the guard’s inexperience and added it can sometimes understandably result in errors on the floor. “Talen plays like a young player,” Vogel said. “He’s fearless, I love that part about him, he was trying to dunk on the leading shot-blocker last night, making some good plays.

“But he certainly makes his fair share of mistakes as well and that’s part of having a young player. But his attitude, his willingness to get better, his confidence in himself, it’s everything you want in a young player and we’re very pleased with what he has brought to the table for us this year.”

Despite the mistakes, Vogel continues trusting Horton-Tucker and even inserted the young guard into the starting lineup last month to test out “different looks” for the Lakers. The Iowa State product is registering 7.2 points, 1.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game, shooting 48.4% from the field and 28.2% from behind the three-point line.

Horton-Tucker doesn’t feel targeted on defense

Horton-Tucker is aware he’s just beginning to learn NBA basketball and understands his inexperience might sometimes manifest itself in bad decisions during games, particularly on the defensive end.

But while still fresh to the league, he doesn’t think opponents target him in offensive schemes. “I really don’t think so,” he said. “I just feel like sometimes you’re just in that position, so I don’t feel like they’re picking on me.”

As one of the youngest players in the NBA, it is clear that Horton-Tucker still has a ways to go to reach his potential, although the upside to be great is definitely there.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Frank VogelLos Angeles LakersTalen Horton-Tucker
ByDamian Burchardt
Follow:
Damian Burchardt is a sports writer who has covered basketball, soccer, and many other disciplines for numerous U.K. and U.S. media outlets, including The Independent, The Guardian, The Sun, The Berkshire Eagle, The Boston Globe, and The Ringer.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?