After two very busy days for the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA free agency, the storied franchise was able to fill up its roster with only two spots remaining.
With the Lakers signing guard Gabe Vincent, drafting Jalen Hood-Schifino, and agreeing to deals to bring back D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, Los Angeles has stacked its backcourt, which made no room for Lonnie Walker IV and Dennis Schroder.
Schroder ultimately signed with the Toronto Raptors on a reasonably lucrative deal, and now Walker will also head to the Eastern Conference as he has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Free agent Lonnie Walker has agreed to a one year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and agent Lucas Newton tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2023
Although Walker played well for the Lakers during the NBA playoffs when he was called upon after falling out of the rotation, he wasn’t a hot commodity on the open market once free agency got underway on Friday afternoon.
Despite an impressive start to his career with the San Antonio Spurs as an essential player for Gregg Popovich, Walker has taken a step back of sorts after a less-than-steller stint with the Lakers, leading to him having to take a short-term prove-it deal with the Nets.
Even though Walker has taken a step back, the 24-year-old is still young and might have the ideal situation to prove his worth in Brooklyn as the Nets figure out how to take the next step with Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson leading the way.
Walker might have a chance to play big minutes in Brooklyn next season, which could result in a lucrative deal next season.
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