Things didn’t go as planned for the Los Angeles Lakers during their NBA opening-night matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Golden State went into Staples Center and won 121-114 with a strong second-half performance led by Stephen Curry, who registered a triple-double.
Los Angeles is still working through the growing pains of having so many new players on the team. There were only three holdovers from last season’s roster; LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Talen Horton-Tucker.
That means there are 12 new players. Some of them have been with the Lakers recently, as Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, and Avery Bradley all returned after a one-season hiatus away from the team. That will help, but it will take some time.
Injuries are also a concern already. Trevor Ariza and Horton-Tucker both underwent surgery. Kendrick Nunn and Wayne Ellington were hurt and didn’t suit up opening night. Injuries are something every team navigates throughout the season, so the Lakers will have to figure things out when players are sitting.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: This Lakers-Thunder Trade Lands Intriguing Wing In L.A.
Of that group, Horton-Tucker’s absence is felt the most. He will be re-evaluated in about a month and the team cannot wait to get him back on the court. They have big plans for him once he can play.
“But he is by far the most important young player on an old team; the Lakers signaled as much by re-signing Horton-Tucker to a three-year, $30.8 million deal, effectively choosing him over Alex Caruso, and coaches discussed the possibility of starting Horton-Tucker this season, sources say,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe wrote.
The Lakers could have certainly used Horton-Tucker’s defensive ability against the Warriors, as they gave up 68 points in the second half en route to a disappointing open night loss.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: This Lakers-Thunder Trade Lands Intriguing Wing In L.A.
Should Talen Horton-Tucker be inserted into the starting five, it would likely come at the expense of Kent Bazemore or DeAndre Jordan. Bazemore is the likeliest of the two to remain in the starting lineup, especially if the Los Angeles Lakers want to deploy Anthony Davis at the center spot more often — taking pressure off LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.
