[ad_1]
The Los Angeles Lakers at present discover themselves at a standstill in negotiations to amass Kyrie Irving, including extra uncertainty to a workforce that already has a whole lot of questions. Contemplating the Lakers have restricted choices to enhance their roster, it is sensible that they’d pursue Irving, however signing guard Lonnie Walker doesn’t. A minimum of not but.
On a 1-year, $6.5 million deal, there are undoubtedly worse choices than Walker, however he has been disappointing to date in his profession, even regardless of his apparent expertise. A lot in order that the rebuilding San Antonio Spurs renounced their rights to him, which paved the way in which for the Lakers to signal him.
The Lakers have relied on these brief offers in recent times to usher in veterans or signal gifted, albeit unproven, gamers. Signing Walker is consistent with that custom however there are many questions surrounding his slot in L.A.
Walker has the expertise to be a sport changer for the Los Angeles Lakers
Walker carved out a task because the Spurs’ sixth man over the past couple of seasons and averaged a terrific 12.1 factors in simply 23 minutes per sport final 12 months. Regardless of that, he was fairly inefficient. He shot 31.4% on 5 threes per sport and settled for lots of contested mid-range jumpers, which precipitated him to underutilize his outrageous athleticism. Apparently, the hope is that he’ll shoot higher taking part in with LeBron James and Anthony Davis there to attract consideration away from him.
I’m skeptical since he’s a profession 34.3% 3-point shooter, which is barely beneath common. Then there’s his protection. Walker has all the potential on the earth however has but to dwell as much as it, and at this level, he in all probability is what he’s. That’s a mediocre defender who can often make a play or two on that finish.
So, is Walker already a hopeless match with the Los Angeles Lakers? Presumably, however taking part in in a unique system would possibly do him some good. We don’t know what the Lakers’ system will really appear like beneath new head coach Darvin Ham simply but, however it’s more likely to be a James-heavy offense and he’s by no means performed with a participant like James.
Walker might also have a extra outlined position, somewhat than simply being a microwave scorer, and having some parameters might do wonders for his offensive sport.
Actually, a whole lot of his offensive points could be resolved if he minimize down on the mid-range jumpers, shot higher from three, and attacked the basket persistently. These are sensible objectives, and he did all three within the second half of final season. He was terrific, averaging 15.3 factors on environment friendly capturing, however that will have been an aberration. The Spurs apparently thought so, no less than.
If Walker continues that sturdy play subsequent season, then he may very well be top-of-the-line free agent signings and assist the Lakers make the playoffs. If he can’t, then it will be one more misstep by the Los Angeles Lakers entrance workplace. That’s the gamble.
[ad_2]
Source link
