Lakers’ Talen Horton-Tucker to undergo thumb surgery

Even earlier playing 1 game, the Lakers are present staring down a extent illustration chipped distant by injury.

Talen Horton-Tucker, the youngest subordinate of the squad and the lone different returner too LeBron James and Anthony Davis, volition acquisition country to repair torn ligaments successful his close thumb, a idiosyncratic with cognition of the concern told Southern California News Group. The process is expected to enactment the 6-foot-4 helping retired of enactment for a minimum of respective weeks.

Horton-Tucker is 1 of the Lakers’ dynamic drivers to the basket. Last season, helium averaged 9 points and 2.8 assists per game, earning a three-year, $32 cardinal woody this summertime to return. The 2019 2nd circular prime is known for his 7-foot-1 wingspan, and wide manager Rob Pelinka said helium hoped to spot Horton-Tucker go a “dominant antiaircraft player” this season.

Those hopes are present connected clasp aft Horton-Tucker’s thumb was injured against Golden State. The 20-year-old attended Sunday’s crippled with a achromatic wrapper connected his thumb, and caput manager Frank Vogel said helium was awaiting valuation results.

The Lakers are already perilously bladed connected extent on the wings: Forward Trevor Ariza is expected to miss astatine slightest 8 weeks aft close ankle country past week. Horton-Tucker, who typically tin play defender oregon tiny forward, adds to the strain the Lakers are already starting to feel.

The wounded whitethorn unfastened up much minutes for Kent Bazemore, who has earned plaudits from coaches connected his play connected some ends successful the preseason, arsenic good arsenic Wayne Ellington and Malik Monk (who is himself recovering from a groin strain for the adjacent week). The wounded besides throws successful the anticipation that rookie Austin Reaves could spot time.

The Lakers person 1 remaining roster spot they could inactive usage to motion different subordinate connected a minimum deal. But the beforehand bureau is expected to beryllium judicious with that spot successful portion owed to the luxury tax: Every further dollar the Lakers walk is much than quadrupled since they are much than $18 cardinal supra the wage cap.