Predicting where each Lakers free agent will sign this offseason

Lonnie Walker IV – Washington Wizards

Last season didn’t go quite as planned for Lonnie Walker IV. He essentially signed a prove-it deal with the Lakers last season and started the season out strong but fell out of favor in the rotation after the trade deadline. He had some strong moments in the postseason, but not enough for the Los Angeles Lakers to bring him back on a more lucrative deal, in all likelihood. If Walker leaves, a team such as the Washington Wizards would be wise to pick him up.

First and foremost, no one knows what the Wizards will do this offseason. There are rumors in league circles that the team may trade Bradley Beal away in the coming months and full-on hit the reset button. In that case, they would turn their attention to youth.

A 24-year-old guard like Walker would make sense to bring in, as with a prominent role, the Wizards could look to unearth some of that potential from the former first-round pick. Walker has played over 25 minutes per game in just one season of his career thus far. He needs a team who will let him spread his wings, and the Wizards fit the mold.

As it stands, Washington does have the full MLE at its disposal, and it could offer Walker a quality raise at $12.2 million. Of course, they have to figure out the Beal situation first, but in the event he is moved, Walker would be a nice free-agent signing to kick off the potential rebuild.