More Minutes For Carmelo Anthony, Talen Horton-Tucker
When the Los Angeles Lakers built their roster this offseason, they envisioned Carmelo Anthony and Trevor Ariza being their forwards off the bench. While both are likely better suited for power forward at this point in their careers, they can slide over to play some small forward as well.
Given their skill sets, they could even share the floor at some points. But, with Ariza now out at least two months, more minutes will go toward Anthony at the beginning of the season.
Right now, Anthony is the only true forward the Lakers have healthy for the second unit. Talen Horton-Tucker would likely see his role increase as well, as Frank Vogel would likely need him as the backup small forward.
Horton-Tucker has immense potential and is a chess piece Vogel can deploy in multiple spots. He is versatile enough to run some of the offense and defend multiple positions. He will be an X-Factor for the team even when Ariza is healthy enough to return.
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For as long as Ariza is sidelined, Anthony and Horton-Tucker will be asked to shoulder more of the load on the second unit. Horton-Tucker can bring the defensive intensity that Ariza provided, while Anthony will need to keep up the scoring and provide some spacing for his teammates.
