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Wednesday, July 25, 2001
Samaki Walker chooses Lakers
Associated Press
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| Walker |
LOS ANGELES -- Power forward Samaki Walker joined the Los
Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, vowing to spend next season taking the
pressure off center Shaquille O'Neal.
Walker's primary responsibilities will to rebound and divert
attention from O'Neal.
"Shaq, as big and as strong as he is, you got to have guys
inside who can take the pressure off," the 6-foot-9 Walker said.
The Lakers, searching for front-court help, signed Walker after
the San Antonio Spurs were unable to fit him under their salary
cap.
The 25-year-old Walker signed a one-year contract with the
Lakers with an option for a second year.
Walker averaged 5.3 points and 4 rebounds last season. He will
replace veteran power forward Horace Grant, who averaged 8.5 points
and 7.1 rebounds. Grant signed a free-agent contract with the
Orlando Magic.
Since beating the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals last
month, the Lakers have lost guard Tyronn Lue to the Washington
Wizards and Grant to the Orlando Magic as free agents.
Injuries also have taken a toll. Starting guard Derek Fisher
(foot) and backup forward Mark Madsen (shoulder) have had
operations, and neither is expected to be ready for the start of
next season.
The Lakers filled one hole in the backcourt with the addition of
Lindsay Hunter, acquired three weeks ago from the Milwaukee Bucks
for center Greg Foster.
And they added Mitch Richmond, a six-time All-Star who became a
free agent last month when the Washington Wizards bought out the
final two years of his contract for $10 million.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said Walker was ready to
move to the next level.
"He's gone through trials and tribulations," Kupchak said.
"His experiences in Dallas and San Antonio have been beneficial.
Taking all those things into consideration, he was the player that
jumped out on the free-agent list when he became available."
The ninth overall pick in the 1996 draft, Walker left Louisville
after his sophomore year. He has played in more than 70 games only
once in his five-year career. He averaged career bests in points
(8.9) and rebounds (7.4) for the Mavericks in 1997-1998.
Walker said six other teams seriously pursued him, but he
elected to sign with the Lakers for the opportunity to play for a
championship.
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