EL SEGUNDO, CA – The Los Angeles Lakers scouting department deserves a tip of the cap finding two diamonds in the rough with rookies Talen Horton-Tucker and Zach Norvell. These are two tough, confident players from Chicago working hard to make their NBA dreams come true.
Horton-Tucker and Norvell displayed that confidence and their skills with the South Bay Lakers, the L.A. Lakers’ G-League affiliate, in a 121-118 win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Wednesday night.
Norvell scored a team-high 23 points on 8/15 shooting which included six three-pointers.
“Staying confident, staying ready, doing my work early,” Norvell said of his performance. “I’m just trying to stay positive no matter the circumstances.”
Horton-Tucker also had a strong game with 22 points on 7/15 shooting including five three-pointers.
Despite their obvious talent, both Horton-Tucker and Norvell have been overlooked early in their careers. The two grew up together in Chicago playing their high school ball at Simeon High.
“We’re from the same place, been through the same things, doing the same things for years,” Horton-Tucker said. “Being from Chicago, the grit-and-grind, that’s important. That’s what the Lakers said when the picked me and Zach too.”
Their connection has come full circle but took different paths to get to this point. The Iowa State product Horton-Tucker was taken in the second round with the 46th pick of this year’s draft by the Orlando Magic who traded his draft rights to the Lakers on draft night.
The Gonzaga product Norvell, went undrafted and signed with the Lakers on a two-way contract on July 1. However, Norvell turned heads with an impressive preseason showing his high volume scoring and doing so confidently.
“Growing up being from Chicago, my dad instilled that in me, being poised through every situation,” Norvell said. “Remain confident through everything.”
While it’s tough to crack the rotation for the L.A. Lakers given their talent, experience, and depth, these rookies have a great opportunity to develop their games and get consistent reps with the South Bay Lakers.
“It’s just preparing me for when my name is called,” Horton-Tucker said about playing for South Bay. “Just coming down here and keeping my poise, playing to my strengths. That’s the most important thing to me.”
*Norvell has rejoined the Los Angeles Lakers and will available for Friday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings.
