Samaki Ijuma Walker (born February 25, 1976) is an American retired professional basketball power forward and center. Walker played college basketball at the University of Louisville and was drafted in 1996 by the Dallas Mavericks, where he played until 1999. Walker continued to play for the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs (1999–2001), Los Angeles Lakers (2001–2003), Miami Heat (2003–2004), Washington Wizards (2004–2005), and Indiana Pacers (2005–2006). Afterwards, Walker played in various international and minor leagues. Early life Walker was born in Columbus, Ohio, the youngest of seven children. He attended Eastmoor High School and Whitehall-Yearling High School. Basketball career Early years Denny Crum recruited Walker to attend the University of Louisville, where he enjoyed two successful seasons playing for the Cardinals. He recorded the first triple double in school history, with 14 points, 10 boards and 11 blocks in a win over their rival the Kentucky Wildcats. His 11 blocks and the team's 17 blocks in the game were both school records as well. Walker decided to forgo his final two years of eligibility and enter the 1996 NBA Draft. Selected ninth overall by the Dallas Mavericks, Walker drew widespread attention on draft day for wearing an all-white suit with a matching fedora. A 6' 9" power forward, Walker became the youngest Maverick to appear in a game. That season, new coach Don Nelson began drastically changing the makeup of the team, and Walker was actually the longest-tenured Maverick while still a rookie. He posted career highs in points and rebounds with 8.9 points and 7.4 rebounds a game during the 1997–98 season for the Mavericks. In the summer of 1999, Walker signed a two-year contract with the defending champion San Antonio Spurs. He opted for a smaller deal to play in San Antonio rather than re-sign with Dallas, as he wanted to play under the tutelage of David Robinson and Tim Duncan. He played two years with the team as a reserve. Los Angeles Lakers In the summer of 2001, Walker signed as a free agent with the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, who needed a power forward following the departure of veteran Horace Grant. Walker started in 63 of 69 games, averaging 6.7 points per game and 7.0 rebounds for the season, and stepped in at Center for superstar Shaquille O'Neal when injured. He recorded a season high 18 points to go with 10 rebounds in