Talen Horton-Tucker to undergo surgery on torn right thumb

Talen Horton-Tucker will undergo surgery on torn ligaments in his right thumb. He is expected to be out for around two months.

Source: Dave McMenamin/ESPN

ANALYSIS: The Lakers were expecting a lot out of Talen Horton-Tucker.

They elected to let Alex Caruso walk to the Chicago Bulls, choosing to extend Horton-Tucker to a three year, 32 million dollar extension instead.

The Lakers have lost a lot of defense from their championship team in Caruso, Danny Green, and Caldwell-Pope and were hoping Horton-Tucker and his long 7'1" wingspan could help shore it up.

Instead, the Lakers will start their season without Horton-Tucker and defensive presence Trevor Ariza.