The Los Angeles Lakers released the following statement this afternoon:

"The Los Angeles Lakers have extended a qualifying offer to Talen Horton-Tucker, it was announced today.

As a result of the qualifying offer, Horton-Tucker will become a restricted free agent.

In 65 games (four starts) last season, Horton-Tucker averaged 9.0 points (.458 FG%), 2.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 steal in 20.1 minutes per game."

The Lakers have been rumored to have interest in upgrading their point guard position, as news leaked yesterday that veteran point guards Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook were of interest for Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers. And extending a qualifying offer to guard/forward Talen Horton-Tucker gives the Lakers some flexibility for their upcoming offseason, as they will now have the opportunity to match any offer that THT receives.