A valuable ex-Los Angeles Lakers contributor will take his talents overseas again.
Lasting in the NBA is tougher than it seems.
Many players have their moments, but ultimately, it’s all about demonstrating that they're assets worth investing in.
Although former Los Angeles Lakers guard and playoff savior Lonnie Walker IV has been solid in spurts, his inconsistent nature has made it challenging for him to find a permanent home in the NBA.
Last Thursday, Walker elected to leave the NBA for the EuroLeague for the second time.
“Lonnie Walker IV is signing withEuroLeague power Maccabi Tel Aviv,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein reported last Thursday.
“Walker, who finished last season with the Sixers, has an NBA buyout clause until Aug. 1 and will be one of Europe’s highest-paid players.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Following a four-year stint with the San Antonio Spurs, Walker joined the Lakers in 2022.
The Miami product’s tenure with Los Angeles was highlighted by his outstanding fourth-quarter playoff performance against the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.
With the Lakers in danger of falling behind 2-1 in the series, Walker entered hero mode.
The 6-foot-4 guard was an electric off-the-dribble shot maker in the final quarter of the contest, finishing with 15 points and positively altering the trajectory of the series (the Lakers eliminated the Warriors in six games).
However, Los Angeles moved on from Walker after their Western Conference Finals exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, and shortly after, the former lottery pick’s NBA career began to decline.
Walker competed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2023-24 campaign before inking a deal with Žalgiris Kaunas of the Lithuanian Basketball League and EuroLeague on Oct. 30, 2024 (he was unable to secure another NBA gig).
The Philadelphia 76ers signed Walker toward the end of last year but decided to let him walk once the offseason arrived.
If history repeats itself, Walker will eventually get another opportunity to prove himself in the NBA soon.
More NBA: Lakers blockbuster trade proposal lands $54 million former Warriors NBA champion forward
Category: Basketball
