Nickeil Alexander-Walker, UFA
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a player whom the Los Angeles Lakers should make a serious run at this offseason. That was true before JJ Redick was hired as head coach and has become even more intriguing in the aftermath of that decision.
Alexander-Walker played with JJ Redick for a season-and-a-half with the New Orleans Pelicans, and that history could be valuable this offseason.
Alexander-Walker has evolved as a player since his time as Redick's teammate. Previously known for his scoring ability, he's become one of the better perimeter defenders in the NBA, thriving in said role with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now an unrestricted free agent, it stands to reason that Alexander-Walker will look to the open market for an opportunity to land more playing time.
Alexander-Walker finished the 2023-24 regular season with averages of 8.0 points, 2.5 assists, 2.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 three-point field goals made on a slash line of .439/.391/.800. He did so in just 23.4 minutes per game, starting 20 of his 82 appearances.
It's worth noting that one of the primary influences for Alexander-Walker in his emergence as a high-level shooter is none other than Redick himself.
Here's what Nickeil said after practice today about competing against "a professional shooter" like Redick pic.twitter.com/vkjUGQKCNu
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) October 3, 2019
It's a long shot, but if Redick and the Lakers can convince Alexander-Walker to sign for the mid-level exception or even execute a sign-and-trade, he would be a tremendous fit.