The Los Angeles Lakers had an unexpected and improbable hero in Game 4 versus the Golden State Warriors.
Coach Darvin Ham trusted Lonnie Walker IV in crunch time, and the former San Antonio Spur delivered big time, scoring 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting in the fourth quarter to uplift his team after falling to an 8-point deficit.
Following the game, Ham praised Walker for staying professional and high-spirited despite falling out of the rotation, citing that it wasn’t due to poor play or anything; it was just because of their roster overhaul, injury, and situations:
Darvin Ham speaks on Lonnie Walker’s professionalism and how his energy helped the #Lakers prevail. pic.twitter.com/JeYYJOBsbr
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 9, 2023
Walker was one of the few bright spots in the Lakers’ rotation at the start of the season, so it was kind of shocking to see him fall behind in the pecking order.
However, as good as he was, he’s never been known for his scoring prowess, let alone for taking over in a playoff contest when the game is on the line.
Walker’s athleticism and defense have always been positive traits, but it’s not like the Warriors had game-planned for him or would focus on him when LeBron James and Anthony Davis were also on the court.
He made them pay for leaving him wide-open over and over.
That’s the thing about an NBA team: Every single guy can beat you on any given night.
Props to Walker for staying professional through adversity and staying ready for when his number was called.
It’ll be up to his star teammates to pick up things were he left them and finish the job in the Bay on Wednesday night.
NEXT: Charles Barkley Makes A Strong Statement After Lakers' Game 4 Win