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NBA Offseason: Top 5 most underrated moves so far this summer

By Holden Walter-Warner

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 23: Jarred Vanderbilt #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a call on the court in the fourth quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on March 23, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 125-116. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 23: Jarred Vanderbilt #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a call on the court in the fourth quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on March 23, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 125-116. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /
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NBA Offseason
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 04: Lonnie Walker IV #1 of the San Antonio Spurs elevates for a dunk against Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center on February 4, 2020 in Los Angeles, California, NBA Offseason: Top 5 most underrated moves so far this summer. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

NBA Offseason: Top 5 most underrated moves so far this summer – 4. Los Angeles Lakers sign Lonnie Walker IV

After last year’s pitiful performance, the Los Angeles Lakers needed to shake things up this offseason. It’s not clear if they really did enough, but they took some smart flyers on players, such as Lonnie Walker IV.

Walker seemed like a wise pick when the San Antonio Spurs selected him in the middle of the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He flashed potential at times in San Antonio, but the inconsistency with his shot kept him from really breaking through.

This past year was the best of Walker’s career, despite drawing only six starts. Walker averaged 12.1 points per game in just 23 minutes per contest. He also averaged a career-high 2.2 assists per game.

His shot has not been there, though. He hit only 31.4 percent of his three-point attempts, the worst average of his career. He’s a 34.3 percent three-point shooter for his career, making it a challenge to live up to a projected 3&D role.

The 23-year-old doesn’t seem to be too worried about his shot. In comments during his introductory press conference, the guard expressed confidence in his shot.

“I mean, last year, you can look at the percentages, but I kid you not: Leave me open, we’re going to see what’s happening,” Walker said (h/t Los Angeles Times).

That confidence will be needed, as Walker is on a “prove-it” deal. He signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Lakers. For the franchise, it was an inexpensive way to potentially improve the bench in a big way and find someone who could stick around as a contributor long-term.

The superstars need to be the ones to right the ship in Los Angeles. But having more covert contributors like Walker is significant.