As free agency looms, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as betting favorites to sign Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, according to odds from Bovada. The Lakers are listed at +235 to acquire the unrestricted free agent, edging out the Brooklyn Nets (+290), Golden State Warriors (+425), and Miami Heat (+525).
Alexander-Walker, 26, is coming off a strong season in Minnesota, averaging 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting over 38% from beyond the arc for the second consecutive year. The Canadian guard also posted a breakout Game 4 performance in the playoffs, tallying 23 points and six assists against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is the cousin of 2024 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Timberwolves face a challenging offseason with Alexander-Walker, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid all potentially hitting the open market. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently said he’d be “surprised” if Minnesota could re-sign all three, noting the team’s financial constraints.
Despite being favored, the Lakers may struggle to offer a competitive contract. They are currently projected to only have access to the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception—an amount that could be outmatched by rival offers. Their financial flexibility hinges on whether LeBron James opts out of his $51.4 million player option and potentially takes a pay cut to free up cap space.
Meanwhile, Lakers team president Rob Pelinka has identified the frontcourt as a bigger offseason priority.
“One of our primary goals is going to be to add size in our frontcourt at the center position,” Pelinka said in his end-of-season remarks. “It’ll look different next year for sure.”
While Alexander-Walker would bolster the Lakers’ depth and perimeter defense, the franchise’s top need remains a starting-caliber center—especially one capable of rim protection and spacing the floor.
