Back in 2023, Lonnie Walker IV appeared to be on track for a promising NBA future after delivering several important performances for the Los Angeles Lakers during the playoffs. However, his career took an unexpected turn, and just three years later, Walker found himself outside the NBA and playing in the EuroLeague.
Now, he’s getting another opportunity to return to the league.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Denver Nuggets have reached an agreement to sign Walker to a one-year contract worth $3.3 million. Walker spent the 2025-26 season with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague, where he continued his professional career overseas.
The deal gives Walker a chance to return to the NBA and revive the momentum he built during his memorable playoff run with the Lakers in 2023.
Lonnie Walker’s Performances as an NBA Player
Two seasons ago, Walker was with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 42% from the field, 35% from three-point range, and 80% from the free-throw line. However, his season was limited to just 20 games, including seven starts, making it difficult to get a full picture of what he could bring to the team.
The last time Walker had a full NBA season came with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-23 campaign. He averaged 11.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists that season, while shooting 45% from the field, 37% from beyond the arc, and 86% at the free-throw line.
Walker’s 2023 season reached its peak in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Golden State Warriors. He exploded for 15 points in the fourth quarter, delivering a memorable performance that quickly became known as “The Lonnie Walker Game.”
Walker appeared in 13 playoff games that postseason, averaging 6.2 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while shooting 48% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and 75% from the free-throw line. He played approximately 14 minutes per game during the postseason.
Why Did the Denver Nuggets Make This Move?
The Denver Nuggets still have a clear need for additional depth in the backcourt. At the moment, Tyus Jones is positioned as the team’s backup point guard, while Julian Strawther is expected to fill the backup shooting guard role. Denver also has players such as KJ Simpson and Spencer Jones available, but the overall guard rotation remains relatively thin.
With the roster currently constructed, the Nuggets still have some work to do to build enough depth and stability in the backcourt.
Given the current state of the Nuggets’ roster, they are going to need as much production from their bench as possible. It remains unclear whether Lonnie Walker IV will earn a consistent role in the rotation, but the opportunity could certainly arise. If Denver suffers an injury in the backcourt, Walker could quickly find himself getting meaningful minutes.
The Nuggets no longer have the same depth they enjoyed in previous seasons, and their roster appears especially thin heading into this year. Denver still has its core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, but relying heavily on those three stars can only take the team so far.
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