First holder, then substitute before finally being forgotten at the end of the bench, Lonnie Walker IV had a contrasting regular season at the Lakers. And the playoffs did not, at first, bring more light to the player since he played very little against the Grizzlies in the first round, with 16 minutes in total.
Still sidelined during Game 1 against the Warriors, the former Spurs could have left for long days waiting for his turn, but he was allowed 12 minutes in the second set. Then at 24 in Game 3 largely won by the Lakers.
“I literally couldn’t sleep until 4 or 5 a.m. after the game. I was not sleepy”, he confides to the Los Angeles Times. “My girlfriend resented me but I was so happy. »
Always ready when needed
The back of Los Angeles not only trod the floor but he was above all good with 12 points at 4/6 in shooting, 4 rebounds and 2 stolen balls, also multiplying the efforts and the runs in defense against Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Not the easiest job to do though for a player lacking rhythm.
“The transition was not as complicated as one might imagine, because I stayed in training day after day”continues Lonnie Walker IV. “He was ready” welcomes Darvin Ham. “He gave his all, being a true professional, doing individual and collective work. He started the season so my confidence has never been shaken. We were only testing several combinations. »
In this duel where he needs quick players on the opposing backcourt, the coach now knows he can count on Lonnie Walker IV. The latter is ready to be called upon again against the defending champions.
“It’s only a matter of mental toughness. I went through hell when I was younger, so not playing is hard, but it’s not too hard either. I am only 24 years old, which allows me to be optimistic. I love this sport, I’m obsessed with it. I give my best every day and I have to be ready when called upon. No excuse. You have to go there and play. »
| lonnie walker | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | SAN | 17 | 7 | 34.8 | 38.5 | 80.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 2.7 |
| 2019-20 | SAN | 61 | 16 | 42.6 | 40.6 | 72.1 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 6.4 |
| 2020-21 | SAN | 60 | 25 | 42.0 | 35.5 | 81.4 | 0.2 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 11.2 |
| 2021-22 | SAN | 70 | 23 | 40.7 | 31.4 | 78.4 | 0.3 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 12.1 |
| 2022-23 | ALL | 56 | 23 | 44.8 | 36.5 | 85.8 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 11.7 |
| Total | 264 | 21 | 42.2 | 34.9 | 80.0 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 9.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
