3 Free agents Lakers must prioritize after missing out on Gary Trent Jr.

Lonnie Walker IV, UFA

Lonnie Walker IV is a former Los Angeles Lakers guard who could be in line for a return to the franchise. The 25-year-old spent the 2023-24 season with the Brooklyn Nets and improved his outside shot in a diminished role, but continues to go without an NBA contract entering late July.

If the Lakers are looking for a low-cost manner in which they can shore up the perimeter, then offering the veteran's minimum to Walker couldn't hurt.

Walker put forth several crucial performances for the Lakers during their run to the 2023 Western Conference Finals. That includes Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals, when he scored all 15 of his points in the fourth quarter of a 104-101 win over the Golden State Warriors.

It was a strong series for Walker all around, as he scored in double-figures in three of the Lakers' five games, including the series-clinching win in Game 5.

Walker struggled to find consistent playing time with the Nets, but he produced well when he was on the court. He averaged a career-high 1.8 three-point field goals made per game in just 17.4 minutes per outing, and shot a career-best 38.4 percent from beyond the arc for the season.

With intriguing per-36 production at 20.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 3.7 three-point field goals made, perhaps there's more upside to explore than previously surmised.