Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Former Lakers Star Officially Signs with EuroLeague Team

In 2024-25, Horton-Tucker averaged 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 12.5 minutes of playing time.

Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

It’s official. This Saturday, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul made official the signing of Talen Horton-Tucker. According to BasketNews, the two parties already had an agreement since the beginning of September. However, the former Los Angeles Lakers player had a clause to return to the NBA if they received an offer from any franchise. However, the offer did not come and Horton-Tucker will be a Fenerbahce player next season.

Yeni transferimiz Talen Horton-Tucker İstanbul’da! 💛💙 #YellowLegacy pic.twitter.com/dPSajAcUp1
— Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) September 21, 2025

A Quick Look to Talen Horton-Tucker’s NBA Career

In 2019-20, the forward won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, albeit with little notable success. However, he gained momentum over the next two seasons and became a fan favorite. The Lakers even rejected trade packages that included Horton-Tucker for Kyle Lowry.

However, time passed, and the player’s performance declined significantly. After signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the Lakers, he spent two solid seasons with the Utah Jazz. Last season, he joined the Chicago Bulls and had the worst year of his career. As a result, he’s leaving the NBA.

In 2024-25, Horton-Tucker averaged 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 12.5 minutes of playing time. This was clearly his least active year in the league.

When LeBron gives props, you know you’re doing something right 🥵🇺🇲

🔸4 years ago LeBron James high-praised his then-teammate and Fenerbahce's new transfer, Talen Horton-Tucker pic.twitter.com/IGfEeEiPXc
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 20, 2025

Lakers never considered trading LeBron James, says journalist

The offseason between the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James was turbulent, to say the least. This is because, despite accepting his player option, the star and his team seemed unhappy with the franchise’s stance. The Lakers didn’t pursue LeBron for a contract extension and didn’t make any radical moves to improve the roster for next season. Thus, the franchise is slowly leaning toward Luka Doncic, preparing for the medium and long term.

This led to rumors that the Lakers might trade LeBron James, especially after the statement released by the player’s agent. However, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the franchise never considered trading the player and never seriously engaged in a discussion about a possible trade.

Thus, LeBron’s 23rd season will be with the Lakers. Now, it remains to be seen whether it will be the forward’s last or not.

Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.