Rewind the time to 2022-23, when the Los Angeles Lakers last looked the part of a true contender. Anthony Davis and LeBron James were leading a promising roster, hoping to recapture their championship glory from just three years prior.
Matched up against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the Lakers' only second-round series since 2020, however, it wasn't Davis or James who saved the day—but Lonnie Walker IV.
Walker built momentum by scoring nine points in just 12 minutes during a lopsided Game 2 loss that evened the series at 1-1. He then posted 12 points in 24 minutes as the Lakers dominated Game 3 before scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter of Game 4.
That included the shot that put Los Angeles up 100-99 with less than two minutes on the clock, and two clutch free throws with 15.0 seconds remaining to clinch a 104-101 victory. Two games later, Walker scored 13 points in 14 minutes as the Lakers closed the series out.
Unfortunately, any dream of the Lakers reuniting with the fan favorite at least temporarily disappeared when Walker signed a contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Lonnie Walker IV is signing with @EuroLeague power Maccabi Tel Aviv, his agent George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group tells @TheSteinLine.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 24, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/AAqb9eVuWL
Though not one of the biggest names on the open market, Walker is an unfortunate miss of a free agent option who could've potentially been signed for the veteran minimum.
Former Lakers hero Lonnie Walker IV signs with Maccabi Tel Aviv
Walker, 26, has admittedly struggled to find playing time, let alone a contract, with NBA teams since 2024. He's shown signs of promise when given the opportunity, however, and certainly has the talent level to justify a no-risk investment with a minimum contract.
Over the past three seasons, Walker has produced averages of 10.9 points and 1.8 three-point field goals made per game on .433/.371/.821 shooting.
For what it's worth: Walker's averages have equated to 19.0 points and 3.1 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes. Though there are concerns about efficiency and defensive consistency, that's an intriguing level of production from a reserve.
Considering the Lakers finished the 2024-25 season ranked No. 29 in points via reserves, it's fair to wonder if Walker should've been an offseason priority.
Los Angeles has made improvements to its rotation, signing the trio of Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart. That should help head coach JJ Redick improve the second unit, with the latter two players providing two-way value and Jaxson Hayes returning to a reserve role rather than being forced to start.
There's also hope that Dalton Knecht will overcome a tough Summer League stint to make a leap during his second season, much as optimism exists surrounding Maxi Kleber's floor-spacing ability.
For as true as that may be, the Lakers are in need of athleticism and scoring off the bench. If Knecht struggles to provide those qualities, then Walker could've been an ideal failsafe on a minimum contract—even if signing him would've required a degree of maneuvering to create space.
One simply can't help but wonder if the Lakers are going to be left searching for a player with Walker's exact skill set come the 2025-26 season.