The Three Most Important Lakers for Next Season
Besides LeBron, AD, and Russ
Among all NBA teams, the Lakers are the one that has been under the microscope the most. After 17 championships, executives and fans alike have eyed LA from a distance, focusing on every move they make and every rumor they are attached to.
With most of free agency out of the way, LA and their fans have an intriguing supporting cast holding up LeBron, Anthony Davis, and (for now) Russell Westbrook. Here are three key Lakers who need to succeed this year.
Lonnie Walker IV
LA’s decision to ink Walker to a one year, $6.5M deal was — and still is — a head-scratcher. While he averaged a career-best 12.2 PPG with the Spurs along with 2.6 RPG and 2.2 APG, he did so on 40–31–78 splits while being heralded(?) as one of the worst defenders in the league.
Despite his flaws, Walker still offers value as a player who thrives in the open court, given his jaw-dropping athleticism that earned him the nickname “Skywalker.” For a Lakers team that is at their best in transition offense, Walker fits right in. It helps that LA’s coaching staff is patient enough with their young players, and the front office is willing to take a chance on them, too.
It seems the Lakers are nearly in another “Malik Monk” situation— a decent young player signs for cheap and earns a larger opportunity in hopes of being paid handsomely next offseason. In this case, the Lakers and Walker IV are hoping to turn that $6.5 Taxpayer Midlevel Exception into something bigger after his contract ends, whether that’s with the Lakers or another team.
Walker’s play will be critical for a team that needs great production out of their guards. He could start at the two if he performs well in camp. He could also be a spark plug off the bench — similar to what Austin Reaves was last season. Whatever the role is, it is more important now on a team with title aspirations. Lonnie Walker IV’s development will be key to producing a winning product on the floor next year.
Stanley Johnson
One Laker who made an immediate impact last season was Stanley Johnson. From his first game, he proved he deserved to stay with the LakeShow, with his impeccable defense and overall hustle unlocking an identity the Lakers missed for the longest time.
In 48 games (27 starts), the 6'6" Arizona product averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 47–31–72 splits. Defensively, he put up 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks per game. The stats do not show it, but anyone who has watched Johnson knows his effort is undeniable. His offense eventually came around too, as he accumulated 13 double-digit performances, including a 21-point game against the Thunder on Apr. 8. He also posted a career-high in assists with eight against the Sixers on Mar. 23.
With nearly half of the roster out as free agents, Johnson has more responsibility heading into next season. The backup forward slots are there for the taking, and he will be another high-energy player the Lakers will rely on. With his offensive abilities continuing to progress, the Stanimal will be ready to roar come October.
Thomas Bryant
Finally, one of the most crucial players LA will be relying on is Thomas Bryant, who returns for his second stint in the purple and gold after being drafted there in 2018. The 42nd pick has battled back from numerous injuries and now has an opportunity to become the starting center.
Bryant’s redemption story will be one to watch for the Lakers, as the 6'11" Indiana alum possesses off-the-chain energy with an ability to stretch the floor. Before tearing his ACL during the 2020–21 season, he shot a career-best 42.9% from deep. Though the number dipped to 28% this past year, there is no reason to doubt it can get back to that level again.
The center spot as a whole will be pivotal for the Lakers, as they need excellent production from Bryant and fellow second-stint big Damian Jones to complement AD and LeBron, who both shared time at the five spot in an odd year for LA. Bryant, no matter what role he’s in, will be an essential part of the team’s success, as he checks numerous boxes for them and, above all, plays to win.
Walker IV, Johnson, and Bryant have been placed in positions to succeed for the purple and gold next year. Now it’s their turn to take the opportunity and run with it.
