2019 Draft

Joey Ramirez

Still only 18 years old, Talen Horton-Tucker’s life just merged into the fast lane, as he is heading to Los Angeles as the Lakers’ latest draft selection.

Acquired 46th overall via trade with Orlando (in exchange for a 2020 second-rounder and cash considerations), Horton-Tucker is making the leap to the NBA after only one season at Iowa State, where he averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals.

But the numbers that best describe Horton-Tucker are his off-the-charts measurables. A 6-foot-4, 238-pound wing, the Chicago native plays a physical game on both side of the ball. But the biggest spotlight is on his insane, 7-foot-1 wingspan.

That length is the key to THT’s potential. With it, he has the defensive ability to envelop opposing perimeter players and even played up a couple positions to power forward in college. And it also allows him to effectively attack the glass despite facing opponents several years his senior.

That eye-popping reach unlocks the versatility that has become Horton-Tucker’s calling card. He has an impressive handle, showcased most during the times when the Cyclones gave him the keys to the offense and had him shift over to point guard. For a player who looks up to elite do-it-all players like (new teammate) LeBron James and Draymond Green, THT has the physical tools to potentially become his own unique mold.

Horton-Tucker will need to inflate his shooting percentages — 40.6 from the field, 30.8 on 3-pointers and 62.5 at the foul line — in order to maximize his potential. Yet with a recent All-Big 12 honorable mention and Big 12 All-Rookie selection, the teenager is off to a quick start as he lands in L.A.

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Latest Laker: Talen Horton-Tucker

Mike Trudell

After acquiring the 46th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft from Orlando for a 2020 2nd-round pick and cash, the Lakers selected Talen Horton-Tucker.

The 6’4’’, 238-pound swingman with a 7’1’’ reach played one season at Iowa State, where he averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game as a freshman.

A still-developing 18-year-old Chicago native who doesn’t turn 19 until November was thrilled to find out he was westward bound.

“It’s a blessing … it’s a dream come true,” said Horton-Tucker on a conference call. “Everybody grows up and wants to play for a team like (the Lakers). I can’t wait to get started.”

When asked about his game, THT talked about the importance of doing different things.

“Keeping it versatile … you gotta be able to do a lot of different things on the court,” he offered. “Just get better every day is the most important thing, so I’m just gonna keep doing that.”

Horton-Tucker did not work out for the Lakers, and did not meet with the team at the combine. He has, however, met LeBron James, due to their sharing the Klutch Sports agency.

I asked the Simeon High School product where he thinks his game needs to progress as he enters the NBA.

“I feel like becoming better every day at everything,” he responded. “Just actually working on my all-around game. Doing multiple things that I do. Shooting. My body has actually changed. Doing everything to get in the best shape possible.”

His shooting numbers at Iowa State weren’t where he wanted them to be, as he hit 40.6 percent from the field on 10.9 attempts per game, plus 30.8 percent from three (4.5 attempts) and 62.5 percent from the free throw line. That’s something he addressed with teams throughout the pre-draft process.

“Teams were saying they know I’m a better shooter (than that),” he said. “Just staying consistent in the gym and getting better … that’s been the key focus for me in the pre-draft process. I feel like I did that.”

Horton-Tucker said he can play 1, 2 or 3 on offense, and even the 4 if need be. On defense, he’s working on guarding quicker guards, and is probably most comfortable with 2’s and 3’s. At 238 pounds, he also thinks he’ll be able to hold up well switching onto big men.

When asked if he molds his game after any particular players, THT cited “Guys that do a lot of things” like LeBron and Draymond Green, as well as “2-guards like Bradley Beal.” Horton-Tucker said he watches a lot of basketball, and is always trying to take away little things from players to add to his game.

While his basketball dream came true on Thursday night, THT said he first started thinking about it when he was only four.

“You always hear about the Lakers and how much tradition they have and all the players that come through there … it’s a great place," he concluded. "It was a dream destination for me.”

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Horton-Tucker Realizes His NBA Dream

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Conference Call: Talen Horton-Tucker

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Jarrett Culver Draft Workout Photo Gallery

The Lakers hosted their first prospect for the NBA Draft’s No. 4 pick, as Texas Tech shooting guard Jarrett Culver put his skills on display at UCLA Health Training Center on Saturday.

Selected Big 12 Player of the Year and Second Team All-American, Culver made his name with an all-around game that saw him finish the season as Tech’s team leader in scoring (18.5), rebounds (6.4) and assists (3.7). He also finished among the conference’s top five in each category.

“I’m a two-way player, an elite two-way player,” Culver said. “I can score and I can play defense. I feel like people see that a lot in me.”

The 20-year-old worked out in an individual setting for the Lakers’ brass, including general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach Frank Vogel. Also present in the gym: superstar LeBron James.

“I know LeBron plays here, but I didn’t expect him to be here,” Culver said. “You’re kinda shocked at first, like that’s LeBron James.”

But Culver seems hardly the type to be starstruck, especially after leading Texas Tech to the school’s first NCAA title game appearance this season.

Now he’ll look to take lessons learned from that run into his NBA career.

“Every game is important, and then once you get to that stage every possession is important,” Culver said. “Just taking that to the league, and playing like every possession is your last, is big.”

Culver repeatedly touted his skills as a two-way defender, and one look is enough to see why. At 6-foot-6 and 195 pounds (with a 6-foot-9.5 wingspan), Culver boasts great size and length.

He is capable of defending players across the guard and wing positions, while also providing scoring and playmaking on the other end.

Culver is a fearless slasher and athletic leaper, who deals physicality at the rim rather than taking it. And he has plenty of experience leading Texas Tech’s offense as a canny passer.

His biggest question mark is his 3-point shooting, which slipped from a 38.2 percent clip as a freshman to 30.4 as a sophomore.

He did revamp his shot between those seasons — aiming to make it straighter, smoother and in one motion — but he is confident that his form has improved.

“It got better,” he said, “but I was taking tougher shots from my freshman to sophomore year.”

Culver is especially deadly from mid-range, where he has an arsenal of pull-up and post moves. And while many have labeled mid-range shots as inefficient (though the playoffs tell a different story), Culver explained that his mid game is about more than just shooting.

“Not only just the shot — when a player has the ball in the mid-range area, they can operate,” Culver said. “People can cut off them, they can kick out and they can also get to the rim. There are a lot of things you can do from that area.”

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Lakers Host Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver for Pre-Draft Workout

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Draft Workouts: Jarrett Culver (6/1/19)

Game Time Update: The start time for the preseason game on 10/15 at Crypto.com Arena has been moved to 4pm PT