The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy this off-season since acquiring point guard Russell Westbrook. The new look roster includes veteran additions in Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington, and Kent Bazemore. If you’re wondering whether this reliance on aging players will come back to haunt the Lakers, you’re not alone. In an effort to bring the team’s average age down a few notches they also signed Talen Horton-Tucker, Malik Monk, and Kendrick Nunn. All three players give the Lakers a youthful counterbalance to their veteran heavy roster.
Talen Horton-Tucker
Horton-Tucker rejoins the Lakers on a 3 year/$32 million contract. Last season with LA, Horton-Tucker averaged 9.0 points per game on 45.7% shooting from the field. The third-year player is a 6-4, 234lbs 2/smaller end 3 with a 7-foot wingspan. Horton-Tucker is a tremendous slasher and has playmaking ability. One area the Lakers will be looking for growth in however is his defense as he could develop into an outstanding defender with his wingspan. Horton-Tucker needs to also develop some consistency with his three-point shot. If he can make positive steps forward in those two areas, Horton-Tucker could be the Lakers starting shooting guard, and become another ball-handler on the floor with LeBron James and Westbrook.
Malik Monk
Monk is another young player that could help the Lakers if he’s able to prove that 2020 wasn’t just a fluke. Monk can shoot the basketball; last year, he shot 40% from beyond the arc and averaged 11.7 points per game. Monk’s production with the Charlotte Hornets was a rollercoaster ride alternating between stretches of brilliance and nights where you couldn’t play him. Los Angeles struggles with shooting, something Monk should be more than able to provide for them. The question of “which version of Malik Monk” the Lakers will get on a nightly basis is the million dollar question. Monk is outstanding on corner three-point attempts, and playing with Davis, James, and Westbrook, Monk should see plenty of open looks. Much like Horton-Tucker he will need to improve his defensive game if he wants to see significant minutes for the Lakers.
Kendrick Nunn
Adding Nunn to the Lakers mix was a steal. He averaged 15 points per game the past two seasons while shooting 38% from three-point land last year. He turned down more money to play for the Lakers in an effort to win a championship. Nunn is a scrappy defender, but has a tendency to sometimes lose focus. But when he’s locked in, he can cause havoc for opposing offenses. Nunn will give the Lakers scoring and another ball-handler off the bench. The 3rd year player will benefit from learning from James and Westbrook and will have an important role in Los Angeles from the hop. Expect a big year for Nunn coming off the bench.
The Lakers will need all three young players to play meaningful minutes this season in an attempt to keep the older players fresh for a playoff run. All three will have a chance to showcase their talents this season. And as James enters the home stretch of his career, everyone around the Lakers organization knows that anything short of an NBA championship this year will be largely viewed as a failure.
-LaMarr Fields
Twitter: @raiderway83