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

You May Also Like

NBA Free Agent Rumors: Lakers Interested In Glenn Robinson III

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a largely successful free agency, but they are yet to fill in a few holes in their…

NBA Rumors: Anthony Davis Has Lakers, Knicks On ‘Equal Footing’ In Terms Of Re-Signing Long-Term Contract

Less than 10 days ago, Anthony Davis requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans and there is still no resolution leading up to the 12 p.m. PT trade deadline…

NBA Free Agent Rumors: Lakers Have ‘Significant Interest’ In Nuggets’ Bruce Brown

With the start of NBA free agency just around the corner, all signs point towards the Los Angeles Lakers bring back most…

Lakers Free Agency Rumors: Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler ‘Top Priorities’ After Anthony Davis Trade

With the 2018-19 NBA season officially over, the Los Angeles Lakers and 28 teams are focused on how to dethrone the…