What are Lonnie Walker IV's contract details with LA Lakers? All you need to know
Lonnie Walker IV has emerged as one of the league's best role players this season in his debut stint with the LA Lakers. Walker has played with great confidence, despite the pressure that comes with playing for the Purple and Gold. He has averaged a career-high 12.8 points per game on 45.47/89 splits.
Walker started 32 games for the team before slotting into a bench role after the Lakers' trade deadline additions. The former San Antonio Spurs guard was one of LA's most underrated pick-ups in free agency. The Lakers signed Walker for the taxpayer mid-level exception on a one-year, fully guaranteed $6.4 million contract.
Lonnie Walker IV impresses in his return to the rotation for LA Lakers
Lonnie Walker IV recently fell out of the LA Lakers rotation. Troy Brown Jr., Dennis Schroder and Austin Reaves got the nod ahead of him after the additions of Malik Beasley and D'Angelo Russell. However, Walker returned to the rotation for the shorthanded Lakers in their 121-109 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Walker scored 21 points off the bench, shooting 7-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-10 from 3-point range. The Lakers were missing LeBron James and D'Angelo Russell due to injuries in the game. The former is out for multiple weeks due to a right ankle injury, while the latter is day-to-day due to the same problem.
Lonnie Walker IV could restore his place in the lineup after his stellar performance against the Grizzlies. He kept the Lakers in the contest with his efficient scoring, especially from long-range. The Lakers struggled to convert their 3-pointers when Walker knocked down shot after shot.
With LeBron James likely out for a significant period, LA will need contributions from their role players. Walker has been one of their better three-level scorers.
LONNIE WALKER ON JJJ 🔥 https://t.co/CWmrS974Z5
The LA Lakers are 12th in the Western Conference and have no margin for error as they aim to avoid missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season. Fortunately, they have the depth to stay afloat in LeBron's absence.
The onus is on the coaching staff to make the adjustments and offer minutes to the suitable candidates to get the job done. They need to put more faith in players like Lonnie Walker IV and give themselves a legitimate shot at making it to the postseason.
You may also read: Who is Lonnie Walker IV’s girlfriend, Emily Miller? Looking at their relationship history and timeline