Fewer and fewer quality free agents are available in the NBA market and this puts pressure on the Los Angeles Lakers, who are still looking for complementary pieces for the 2022-2023 season.
After the change that took him to the Detroit Pistons, point guard Kemba Walker was released and is one of the most interesting veterans that sounds to be signed by the Californians, especially given the need to add a playmaker who can support the work of Russell Westbrook and LeBron James from the second unit.
Four-time All-Star guard Kemba Walker and the Detroit Pistons are finalizing a contract buyout, sources tell ESPN. Once Walker clears waivers, he’ll join free agency.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022
During the most recent season he played 37 games with the New York Knicks, showing a poor level as an offensive figure and finally being relegated out of the rotation by coach Tim Thibodeau. He averaged 11.6 points and 3.5 assists in 25 minutes per game, being one of the biggest disappointments of the season for New Yorkers.
In the specific case of the Lakers, if they manage to sign him under a minimum veteran contract, it could be a good alternative, since unlike the Knicks, the purple team will not expect a leading role from the point guard, but will be a piece complementary.
Everything will also depend on Darvin Ham’s system of play, since Kemba Walker is not a traditional point guard, and if he does not adapt to the dynamic he hopes to impose on the Lakers, there could be better options on the market.
