Talen Horton-Tucker


Talen Jalee Horton–Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. A native of Chicago, Horton–Tucker played college basketball for the Iowa State Cyclones.

Early life

Born in Chicago, Horton–Tucker was raised on the Northside of Chicago in the Uptown neighborhood. Horton–Tucker is the son of Shirley Horton and Marlin Tucker. For elementary school, Horton–Tucker attended St. Matthias Elementary School in Chicago, where he had his #5 jersey retired.

High school career

Horton–Tucker played at Simeon Career Academy where he helped the Wolverines to three-straight City Championships. A four-star recruit in ESPN's ranking, he committed to Iowa State in October 2017, choosing the Cyclones over schools such as Illinois and Xavier.

College career

On November 20, 2018, Horton–Tucker scored a career-high 26 points and grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds in a win against Illinois. As a freshman, Horton–Tucker averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 27 minutes per game. Horton–Tucker declared for the 2019 NBA draft after his freshman season.

Professional career

Los Angeles Lakers (2019–present)

On June 20, 2019, Horton–Tucker was selected as the 46th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He was traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a 2020 second round draft pick and cash considerations. On July 13, 2019, Horton–Tucker signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was assigned to the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, for the opening of the G League season.

Career statistics

College