What Lonnie Walker IV Brings to the Lakers
While NBA fans await how the Kyrie Irving-Russell Westbrook drama will unfold, the Los Angeles Lakers continue the process of bolstering their bench scoring via free agency.
On July 1st, the Lakers signed Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cole Swider to two-way contracts. The team also acquired Juan Toscano-Anderson, Troy Brown Jr., and Damian Jones as free agents.
Pippen Jr. and Swider were both undrafted signings who will attempt to crack the roster with strong summer league showings. Toscano-Anderson last played for the Golden State Warriors, winning the 2022 NBA championship, while Brown Jr. played 66 regular-season games for the Chicago Bulls last season. Jones returns to the Lakers following a two-year stint with the Sacramento Kings.
On July 6th, the 17-time NBA champions added Lonnie Walker IV to the mix before bringing back Thomas Bryant for a second tour of duty as well.
Walker IV spent his first NBA four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging double digits in points during his two most recent campaigns.
Of all the Lakers’ acquisitions during the 2022 offseason thus far, their acquisition of Lonnie Walker IV could end up being the best piece of business thus far.
Additional Bench Firepower
Last season, the Lakers’ bench averaged 36.6 points per game and shot 45% from the field but only 36.3% from the three-point line. Those figures came despite having a veteran-loaded bench led by Carmelo Anthony.
The Lakers’ lack of consistent firepower off the bench is one of the things that hampered them throughout the 2021-2022 season, despite having a Big Three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook.
It’s also the problem the Lakers hope to address with the signing of Walker IV.
In 70 games last season, Lonnie Walker IV averaged 12.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 23 minutes. In 64 of those games, he came off the bench. And while he averaged 13.2 points in the six games he started for Coach Gregg Popovich, the Lakers don’t need him as a starter, especially if Kyrie ultimately ends up heading west.
Walker IV struggled with his three-point accuracy before the All-Star break last season, shooting only 29% from that area. That 29% rose to 36.7% after the break. Unfortunately, the Spurs failed to make the 2022 playoffs after losing in the play-in tournament.
More than just numbers, the 23 year old can contribute to the struggling franchise in a variety of ways. Lonnie Walker IV’s adaptability could become a key component to the Lakers’ success in the 2022-2023 season and beyond.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity. I’m just here to play my part.. I’m adaptable. If it’s coming off the bench and that’s the best fit, so be it. I’d love to be a starter, but that’s not up to me. I’m here to win,” Walker IV said.
That versatility also includes his ability to defend any opposing player. In fact, it’s one of the things Gregg Popovich loved most about the former Miami guard. Having a dependable rotation player who can lighten the load on LeBron & Co. is something the Lakers sorely missed last year.
If the Lakers play their cards right this offseason, and if Walker IV remains healthy, they could be in line for a bounce back season this fall.
-Iggy Gonzales
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