The Philadelphia 76ers have
bolstered their backcourt by signing veteran guard Lonnie Walker IV
to a two-year, $3 million contract, according to ESPN’s Shams
Charania.

The 26-year-old guard,
originally the 18th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the San
Antonio Spurs, has also previously played for the Los Angeles
Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Over his NBA career, Walker has averaged
9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game across 322
appearances, including 88 starts. 

Before joining the 76ers, Walker
was playing for Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania’s EuroLeague. His
contract included an NBA opt-out clause, which facilitated his
return to the league. Walker expressed his excitement about
rejoining the NBA and contributing to the 76ers’ success. He is
expected to provide depth and experience to Philadelphia’s guard
rotation as the team aims for a strong finish to the
season. 

ANALYSIS: The 76ers currently
hold a measly 20-34 record, tied with the Nets for only 11th in the
East. This season, Philadelphia has been marred by a series of
injuries to key players, including superstar center Joel Embiid,
star free agent signing Paul George, and emerging rookie Jared
McCain. 

Walker’s addition comes at a
crucial time, as the team prepares for the final stretch of the
regular season and try to make a push for the playoffs. They stand
1.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls for the 10th and final play-in
slot while being behind 6.5 games from the Detroit Pistons for the
6th seed in the East.