Samaki Walker was a professional basketball player who played in the NBA for nine seasons. He was born on February 25, 1976, in Columbus, Ohio, and attended the University of Louisville, where he played college basketball.
Walker was selected ninth overall in the 1996 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks. He played for the Mavericks for two seasons before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1999. It was with the Lakers that Walker had his most successful season, winning an NBA championship in 2002.
After his time with the Lakers, Walker played for several other NBA teams, including the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and Indiana Pacers. He also played overseas in Greece and South Korea.
Throughout his career, Walker was known for his rebounding and defensive skills. He was a solid role player who could contribute to a team's success. However, he never became a star player in the NBA.
Off the court, Walker had some legal troubles. In 2006, he was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was also involved in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend in 2007.
After retiring from basketball, Walker became a coach and mentor for young players. He founded the Samaki Basketball Academy in Columbus, Ohio, which provides training and support for aspiring basketball players.
Overall, Samaki Walker had a solid career in the NBA, playing for several teams and winning a championship with the Lakers. While he never became a star player, he was known for his rebounding and defensive skills. Off the court, he had some legal troubles but has since become a mentor and coach for young players.
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