3. Lonnie Walker IV
Lonnie Walker IV needed to have a good preseason with the Los Angeles Lakers. With all of the moves that the Lakers ended up making this offseason, signing Walker to the TPMLE seemed like a bad move in hindsight. The team could have used those funds on other areas of the roster, not on someone who has not lived up to his potential in the league.
The Lakers obviously were not going to sit Walker because of this but Walker quickly could have lost favor with the fanbase if he did not play well. Luckily for Walker, he has taken this opportunity in the preseason to show his versatility on the court and prove the Lakers right.
Granted, he has to continue to do this throughout the season as preseason play becomes a moot point as soon as the games actually matter. But for the time being, this is a really positive sign.
The three-point shooting has not been there for Walker, who is shooting just over 30% from beyond the arc, but that is the only weakness in his game thus far. Walker has showcased a playmaking ability that is a bit surprising. Not only is he creating looks for teammates but he has been creating his own shot as well.
Walker has shown a lot of effort on the defensive end, which is going to be the big difference in his game. Even if he is not shooting well from three, if Walker can create his own shot and facilitate the basketball he is going to get playing time if he plays well on defense.
Draymond Green wants to join the Lakers (per Stephen A. Smith)
After all of the drama that has surrounded Draymond Green in recent days, Stephen A. Smith claims that he wants to ultimately join the Lakers.
He has the physical traits to be really good on the defensive end, he just has to better utilize them. Thus far, he has done just that.