Lakers Free Agency Rumors: Kemba Walker ‘Top Target’ After Anthony Davis Trade With Pelicans

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Several months after failing to coax the New Orleans Pelicans into a trade, the Los Angeles Lakers struck a deal to acquire Anthony Davis ahead of the 2019 NBA Draft.

It came at a significant cost for the Lakers, as they parted with Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, the No. 4 in this year’s draft as well as future picks. The Lakers did succeed in retaining Kyle Kuzma, whom the Pelicans reportedly wished to be included in the trade.

With the Davis trade reportedly agreed upon, the Lakers are expected to become more of a factor in free agency. And now that Ball is no longer part of the roster, there is a clear need at point guard.

According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Lakers are likely to focus on Kemba Walker:

Walker is among the players reaching unrestricted free agency this summer, and he’s already expressed a willingness to re-sign with the Charlotte Hornets at a discount. By virtue of being name to the All-NBA Third Team this season, Walker is eligible for a five-year, $221 million supermax contract.

The Lakers presumably will finalize their trade with the Pelicans so that their salary cap space is preserved. Conducted in the proper order, L.A. will retain enough financial flexibility to sign a free agent to a max contract.

If that isn’t used on Walker, the Lakers could elect to use the salary cap space on second-tier players to better fill out their roster depth. Though, with the Davis trade now agreed upon, it may also reignite speculation of Kyrie Irving potentially reuniting with LeBron James.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Exit mobile version