Lonnie Walker IV's return to Los Angeles with the Brooklyn Nets served as a bittersweet reminder for Lakers fans. While his solid performances for the Nets fueled admiration, his absence from the Purple and Gold left a gaping hole in their hearts.

Walker's 15-point showing against the Lakers on Friday and 8-point contribution in the Clippers' Sunday victory were mere whispers compared to the roar of Lakers Nation yearning for his return. Social media platforms overflowed with sentiments like:

• "Ham's refusal to play Walker after his injury was a colossal blunder."
• "He's gone because Malik Beasley took his spot!"
• "Lakers let their best shooter walk!"
• "Lakers fans still haven't forgiven Jeanie Buss for letting him go."

Their longing is rooted in Walker's brief, yet impactful tenure with the Lakers. He wasn't just a role player; he was a spark plug, injecting grit and determination into every game. His average 11.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists might not paint the full picture. There were eight games where he erupted for 20+ points, with a stunning 28-point performance securing a win against the Pelicans in November 2022.

Walker's sharpshooting and unwavering hustle had Lakers fans chanting his name. Seeing him in the black and white of the Nets is a constant pang of "what could have been." While the Nets enjoy his contributions, the Lakers are left with a void, one that could have been filled by a player who truly bled purple and gold.