The Los Angeles Lakers put a huge win in their column on Sunday when they claimed a 104-101 triumph over the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals to take a 3-1 series lead.
They did so the ugly way — by getting key stops down the stretch, pulling down key rebounds and with good old-fashioned hustle and grit. They overcame a 12-point deficit in the third quarter, as well as a foreboding feeling that the Warriors were on their way to victory.
But the one thing that was pretty was Lonnie Walker IV’s game.
After falling out of the team’s rotation a few months ago, he started getting minutes again over the last couple of games, and in Game 4, he was hot in the fourth quarter while showing the guts of a champion. He went 6-of-9 from the field to score 15 points, all coming in the final 12 minutes.
He was the hero of the game, and fans on Twitter were happy for him.
Lonnie Walker IV's impressive performance not only showcases his talent but also puts him in rare company alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant as the only Lakers players to achieve such a feat off the bench. A true testament to his skill and potential. 🌼
— YourMeditativeMoments (@yourMmoments) May 9, 2023
After we lost Malik Monk last season, I rated Lonnie Walker IV & thought he could use more minutes. Today he showed his mentality when being called upon. What a finish! #LakersVsWarriors
— infeCted (@ronaldalexander) May 9, 2023
At least somebody drafted by the Spurs had a great-old-days playoff moment tonight – Lonnie Walker IV. Congratulations, young man.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 9, 2023
LONNIE WALKER IV TONIGHT
☁️ 24 minutes
☁️ 12 points
☁️ 4 rebounds
☁️ 2 steals
☁️ +10 +/-Lonnie was arguably our 3rd best player pre-trade deadline before getting pushed out of the rotation. He stayed ready and was the X-factor and reason we won tonight. True professional 👏 pic.twitter.com/qtvjLojfPM
— Lakers Lead 3-1 (@LakersLead) May 7, 2023
In sports, you never know when your name will be called, but today, the most important name is— LONNIE WALKER IV! Just an unfathomably impressive performance.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) May 9, 2023
His name is Lonnie Walker IV because he shows up in the FORTH! #NBAPlayoffs #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/qFUy6jdruN
— ShowTime Talk (@ShowTimeTalk) May 9, 2023
We all can learn from Lonnie Walker IV's story.
For months, he's been out of the rotation & mostly stuck on the bench.
Yet, he never gave up on himself.
When he got his opportunity, he was ready.
With 15 4th quarter points, he gave the Lakers a 3-1 series lead. pic.twitter.com/LrnoitPhKx
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) May 9, 2023
I don't think Lonnie Walker IV understood exactly why he fell out of the Lakers' rotation but he's quite the example of staying ready and committed to the work
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) May 9, 2023
I want every young athlete to take notes from Lonnie Walker IV. You don’t gotta get ready if you stay ready.
— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) May 9, 2023
Lonnie Walker IV – Most Valuable Player.
— 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙎𝙝𝙪𝙗𝙝 (@OVOLakeShow) May 9, 2023
Lonnie Walker IV (x-ray) after Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors confirmed he got that dawg in him pic.twitter.com/c6AVlU0QYX
— Calculator Watch Sports (@CalcWatchSports) May 9, 2023
