Since signingLeBron James in free agency in 2018, the Los Angeles Lakers have aimed to build a long-term core around the superstar, but the roster has experienced constant turnover. Being part of this team has proven challenging, as many players once considered untouchable ultimately lost their spot, highlighting the high expectations and pressure of playing alongside LeBron.
This is the case of Alex Caruso, who was initially expected to be a key starter for the Lakers but ultimately struggled to fit into the team’s dynamic and departed the squad. His move, however, proved rewarding, as he went on to capture an NBA championship last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, that hasn’t been the case for another former Lakers teammate of Caruso and James, who recently confirmed his move from the U.S. to pursue a new challenge in Europe, joining the former EuroLeague champion Fenerbahçe.
Former Lakers star leaves U.S. to join EuroLeague champion Fenerbahçe
The enigmatic player has been revealed: Talen Horton-Tucker has left the NBA to pursue his next challenge in European basketball. He will join the continent’s top team, Turkey’s Fenerbahçe, who recently secured the EuroLeague title with an 81-70 victory over Monaco in the final.
Horton-Tucker’s goal is to arrive in Istanbul and quickly secure a starting role with Fenerbahçe, a powerhouse club boasting 15 Turkish League championships and two EuroLeague titles, firmly establishing them as the top team in the country.
Fenerbahçe officially announced the arrival of the American guard on their social media, posting, “Talen Horton-Tucker is at Fenerbahçe Beko!” alongside an edited photo of the former NBA champion. The club also released a statement confirming, “Fenerbahçe Beko men’s basketball team has signed American guard Talen Horton-Tucker to a two-year contract.”
LeBron James’ past praise for Fenerbahçe’s rising star
Talen Horton-Tucker began his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers after being selected 49th overall in the 2019 draft. During his first training sessions with the team, he caught the attention of LeBron James, who immediately recognized the potential of the young guard.
Now, Horton-Tucker is departing the NBA, marking what seems to be the final chapter of his career in the league. At his peak, he was considered one of the top young guards, earning widespread praise from teammates, coaches, and analysts alike.
Among the motivating words Horton-Tucker received was a notable praise from LeBron James, who called him a “special player” after watching him score 19 points in a 2021 game, sparking a 15-game positive streak that season. James shared the message on his social media, posting a video of the guard with a short but powerful caption.
With the EuroLeague and Turkish basketball gaining increasing global attention, Horton-Tucker has a chance to regain NBA prominence. At just 24 years old, he could attract interest from rising NBA teams looking to bolster their backcourt through free agency
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