The Los Angeles Lakers have spent the last two months with, by and large, the same roster from last season. Though they re-signed core players and added two promising rookies, it’s clear that LA needs sufficient support behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Luckily, there are several players still waiting for their next opportunity, and the Lakers may be an ideal fit for one of them.
NBA Free Agency: Former Laker Still Available for LA to Pursue
Background
6’4” shooting guard Lonnie Walker IV remains unsigned after a solid campaign off the bench for the Brooklyn Nets. The 26-year-old made his feelings known in a recent post to X, formerly known as Twitter:
Never on your time. Always on Gods divine timing. Stay the course your journey can never be replicated. Enjoy YOUR marathon. The outcome will be far greater than what you ever expected. Don’t get to low or too high 🙏🏾
— Lonnie Walker IV (@lonniewalker_4) August 20, 2024
His comments led several Laker fans to plead for a purple and gold reunion.
Always welcome in purple and gold 🟣🟡Skywalker 🫡
— JCX (@JCX) August 20, 2024
Demand to go to the Lakers
— The Crypt (@Jgoody0824) August 20, 2024
RT IF THE LAKERS SHOULD BRING BACK THE SKYWALKER https://t.co/OvmMLodPoM pic.twitter.com/Q9DadVJHeX
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) August 20, 2024
Walker signed with the Lakers for the 2022-23 season on a one-year, $6.4 million deal. In 56 games (32 starts), he averaged 11.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.5 steals per game on .448/.365/.858 splits. He went on to sign a one-year, minimum contract with the Brooklyn Nets, where he put up 9.7 points (.423/384/.763 splits), 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 58 games—all off the bench as their “sixth man.” Despite his contributions, however, Walker was not a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award, finishing outside the top-12 in final voting tallies.
Should the Lakers Reunite with Walker IV?
The Lakers should definitely consider a reunion with Lonnie Walker IV. Despite his injuries, he was an effective role player for the Nets and was recently named one of the best remaining free agents available by Bleacher Report. It’s also clear that Laker fans miss having Walker IV around, and he feels the same way.
“I miss y’all”
– Lonnie Walker to a Laker fan 🥹 pic.twitter.com/dV0algY1pE
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 21, 2024
Walker’s time in LA was marked by several highlights, but he’s most likely remembered for his fourth quarter takeover against the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 2023 playoffs. He scored all 15 of his points in the final frame on 6/9 shooting from the field.
Walker ended that playoff run averaging 6.2 points per game on .483/.382/.750 splits. Despite playing 14 minutes a night, he remained a key piece off the bench as the Lakers advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
With the Brooklyn Nets heading into rebuild mode, it’s safe to assume contenders will be vying for Walker’s services, even this late into free agency. Given Walker’s scoring ability, fan-favorite status and familiarity with LA’s two stars, it’s nearly a no-brainer that the Lakers give him another shot. As things stand now, he would best fit off the bench behind presumed starter Austin Reaves—allowing Max Christie to play on the wing. He would once again help LA’s guard depth with his athleticism and shooting, likely doing so on a team-friendly contract.
Possible Next Steps
As for what it would take to sign Walker, the Lakers have to part ways with one of their minimum-contract players to free up a roster spot and remain under the second apron. Potential candidates in this case could include Jalen Hood-Schifino and Cam Reddish. Hood-Schifino, the 17th pick of last year’s draft, dealt with knee and back injuries for most of his rookie campaign, the latter of which led to offseason back surgery. Reddish, who dealt with persistent knee and ankle injuries over the course of last season, averaged 5.4 points across 48 games while shooting 39% from the field and 33% from three.
