Lakers Rumors: Lonnie Walker IV Agrees to Contract After Spurs Pull Qualifying Offer

Lonnie Walker IV agreed to a one-year $6.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday after the San Antonio Spurs pulled the qualifying offer they made him, according to The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania.

If the Spurs had kept the qualifying offer on the table, he would have been a restricted free agent, and San Antonio would have been allowed to match any offer opposing teams sent his way.

The 23-year-old had been a key cog off the bench for the Spurs since he was drafted 18th in 2018 and has improved every season since. During his rookie campaign, he averaged just 2.6 points per game in 17 contests.

During the 2021-22 season, Walker took a significant step forward, averaging 12.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 40.7 percent from the floor and 31.4 percent from deep in 70 games.

Walker took on a heavier role for the Spurs after they traded Derrick White to the Boston Celtics on Feb. 10, becoming the team's sixth man and assuming a larger scoring load.

Walker will now have an opportunity to join LeBron James and the Lakers, who are looking to bounce back after missing out on the playoffs this past season.