Watch: Rookie Talen Horton-Tucker Scores And Lakers Bench Is Loving It

The Los Angeles Lakers know how to make the most of their late first-round and second-round picks. They picked up Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Ivica Zubac, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, Tomas Bryant, and many others. Last year they got the No.46 pick in the draft from the Orlando Magic. Talen Horton-Tucker joined the Lakers and he was one of the youngest talents in the draft.

If the team was in rebuilding mode, Horton-Tucker would have played meaningful time in the league before turning 19. But, the Lakers are heavy on veterans and they try to win a title. This means that Horton-Tucker has spent five minutes of his rookie campaign in the G League with the South Bay Lakers.

We didn’t know much about the rookie. His success has to translate to the NBA and the Lakers are looking forward to getting the best of him.

It looks like Horton-Tucker did it.

In the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, the rookie hit the rim and the Lakers bench went crazy. This is the enthusiasm we’ve been looking for this whole time. Horton-Tucker is sharpening his skills and the Lakers love it.

Talen Horton-Tucker fuels the Lakers fire

In his 38 appearances for South Bay, the Lakers rookie was averaging 18.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game all while averaging 29.8 minutes per game. Horton-Tucker’s points per game average really jump out. Ironically, his scoring game is not his brightest side. Moreover, it’s one of the most concerning parts of his performance.

Horton-Tucker cannot make a jump shot as he has made just 29.9%, including 30.9% of his 3-point attempts. This is not good, but the Lakers will take their time and see what happens next.

LA hopes to win the title this season and they need every shot on the way. Anthony Davis leads the team with assists and he is not going home without his first championship win. LeBron James is the ultimate leader, and he is taking things seriously.