By Sunday 
A New Chapter Beyond the NBA
It looks like another familiar face from the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship squad is packing his bags for a fresh start overseas. This time, it’s Talen Horton-Tucker, the 6-foot-4 guard who once showed flashes of potential in purple and gold. According to BasketNews, Horton-Tucker is finalizing a deal with EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce Istanbul.
The move comes on the heels of Juan Toscano-Anderson’s decision earlier this month to play in Italy. Slowly but surely, the Lakers’ former role players are carving out their second acts across the European basketball scene.
Horton-Tucker’s NBA Rollercoaster
Drafted out of Iowa State, Horton-Tucker brought a lot of excitement to Lakers fans during his first three seasons in L.A. He wasn’t a three-point sniper, but his crafty mid-range game and ability to finish in the paint made him a useful spark off the bench.
But as defenses grew tougher, so did his struggles. His slow footwork and lack of perimeter shooting made him an easy target, and by 2022, the Lakers decided to move him in a trade to the Utah Jazz. The Chicago Bulls gave him a look in 2024, but unfortunately, the same issues followed him — limited shooting range and questionable defense.
Why Fenerbahce Makes Sense
Fenerbahce Istanbul isn’t just any overseas team — they’re the reigning EuroLeague champions. For Horton-Tucker, joining such a powerhouse offers two things: a chance to compete for big titles and, perhaps more importantly, an opportunity to reset his career.
He’s still only 24 years old, meaning time is on his side. If he can find consistency and sharpen his game in Europe, NBA scouts will surely take notice. Think of it as a basketball gap year — but one that could revive his NBA journey.
What’s Next?
The road back to the NBA won’t be easy. Horton-Tucker’s weaknesses — especially his long-range shooting and defensive quickness — won’t magically disappear overseas. Still, playing for Fenerbahce gives him the platform to showcase his strengths without the constant microscope of the NBA.
At the end of the day, sometimes leaving the bright lights of Hollywood is exactly what a player needs to find themselves again. Lakers fans may remember him as a promising guard with untapped potential — now we’ll see if Europe is where he finally unlocks it.