The Los Angeles Lakers are currently 8-3 in this young season, coming off a 120-102 win in Houston against the Rockets. The purple-and-gold were led by Anthony Davis on both ends of the court, as he ended with 27 points but more importantly three blocks, as he helped bring the Lakers’ defense back to life after a few lackluster games. Aside from the defense and Davis, the story of the night was again Talen Horton-Tucker.
LeBron James spoke about the young fella afterward, having nothing but praise for him. He spoke highly of his ability to correct his mistakes quickly, ending by saying he plays “beyond his years” (h/t Christian Rivas/Silver Screen & Roll). You can watch THT’s highlights below with LeBron’s comments included (full quote also below).
“He just listens,” LeBron James said on Sunday. “He’s a sponge. Whatever you say to him, he’s going to apply it. He’s going to accept it first, then he’s going to apply it right away. There’s not that many young guys that can take something on the fly and then make it happen the very next play.
“You saw it tonight with his ability, obviously, to go 7-of-8 from the field, but it’s also his rebounding, his assists, his playmaking, and then having four assists to add on top of that. It was a big time game for him; for a kid that’s still growing into his own, but he’s beyond his years.”
THT has been one of the most exciting players of this season, showing that he may be able to make a name for himself at 20-years-old while playing for a team that’s trying to repeat a championship. In only 20 minutes, Talen Horton-Tucker scored 17 points with five rebounds, three assists, as well as four steals as he was showing off his length on some pick-pockets at the expense of James Harden and Eric Gordon.
Talen Horton-Tucker has received plenty of compliments from LeBron James, but I’m sure it doesn’t get old. At the very least it lets him know that he’s doing the right thing if LeBron is praising your ability to be a “sponge”.
Audio of LeBron’s quote courtesy of Ryan Ward/Lakersdaily.com
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