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Why the Lakers could shockingly trade Lonnie Walker IV

By Jason Reed

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 07: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles up the court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 7, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 07: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles up the court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 7, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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The NBA trade deadline is on February 9, giving the Los Angeles Lakers little over a month to figure out what direction this team is going to go in. The results on the court and how soon Anthony Davis returns are going to factor largely into that decision.

Lakers fans want to see a trade as they have seen a basketball team that has potential but can definitely improve. More importantly than on-court improvement, Lakers fans want to see that the front office simply hasn’t punted on this season entirely.

While many fans want to see a trade that includes Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn for an improvement, they might be shocked at what actually happens. It may seem impossible right now, but the Lakers trading Lonnie Walker IV should not be ruled out at the deadline.

Here are 3 reasons why the Lakers could shockingly trade Lonnie Walker IV:

1. Lonnie Walker IV may not be part of future plans

Lonnie Walker was signed to the Taxpayer’s Mid-Level Exception last summer and has played above that value. Walker has been great on an individual level (more on that distinction later) and will almost certainly get a larger contract next summer.

While the Lakers have a lot of money coming off the books, the team only has around $35 million in projected cap space to spend. If Walker’s price jumps to $10-12 million a season that might simply be too expensive for the Lakers to justify.

Suddenly, it becomes a Malik Monk situation where Monk increased his value with solid play in Los Angeles only to get priced out of LA. Monk did not have as tradeable of a contract as Walker, so moving him was harder as more had to be attached.

That is not totally the case with Walker and there are other contracts to pair with him. If there is a contender looking for an instant boost for a relatively cheap price then Walker might be the guy to target.

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