Winning a title in the NBA is one of the hardest things to do. Out of the 30 teams in the league, only 19 teams have won at least one title.

Out those 19 teams, only the Celtics (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1968, 1969), the Pistons (1989, 1990), the Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993 and 1996, 1997, 1998), the Rockets (1994, 1995), the Heat (2012, 2013) and the Lakers (1952, 1953, 1954 and 1987, 1988 and 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2009, 2010) have won back-to-back titles in NBA history.

This season the reigning top basketball team in Los Angeles has a shot to add another accolade to its already rich history by winning its second consecutive title for the first time since a decade ago.

Of course, that task is easier said than done since every team upgraded their line-up to challenge the Lakers.

But the purple and gold franchise certainly made sure that they didn’t stay complacent and upgraded their arsenal. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still leading the way, the Lakers brought super-subs in Dennis Schroder (though he argues he’s a starter) and Montrezl Harrel as well as veteran guys in Marc Gasol and Wesley Matthews.

Thoses addition alone already give the Lakers in a high chance to win back-to-back titles.

But it seems that the Lake Show continues to get even more help as Talen Horton-Tucker continues to develop this season.

At 6’4 with a wingspan of 7’1, THT was seen as a potential high-level two-way player a season ago.

Although, he wasn’t given much chance to show what he can do last season, he’s certainly showing that he could be another X=Factor the Lakers could rely on this season.

In the 10 games that he has played this season, he’s been averaging 8.1 points, 2.6 rebound, 1.8 assists in 48.4% shooting at the field.

Those may not be eye popping but considering that he’s only playing 16.9 minutes a night, coming off the bench at the age of 20 on a team that has two of the best players in the world and two boarder-line all-star subs, it’s not that bad of a contribution. He showed flashes of his future potential in a few games during the preseason too.

Yesterday, he had his best game so far against Houston as he helped the Lakers secure a 120-102 win.

Tucker dropped 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals in just 20 minutes of playing time.

With this kind of performance, the Lakers certainly got another gem in rust and if his game would be consistent through the season, it’ll be hard not to look at LA as heavy title faves.

Do you think THT will play a big factor for the Lakers for their title campaign? Sound off below in the comment section!