Lonnie Walker might’ve saved the Los Angeles Lakers’ season

An unlikely role player may have saved the Los Angeles Lakers’ season. 

Lonnie Walker has the Los Angeles Lakers on the verge of a Western Conference Finals appearance. But his massive contribution in Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors is something practically no one saw coming.

At the start of this season, Walker played almost every game. And he was making a big impact. Up until the NBA Trade Deadline, Walker was averaging career highs in virtually every major category and was the most efficient of his career as well.

But somewhat mysteriously, after the trade deadline, Walker saw his minutes disappear entirely. This trend continued throughout the playoffs, where he only saw his first rotational action in Game 3 vs. the Warriors.

After some really solid minutes in Game 3 where Lonnie put up 12 points, Lakers coach Darvin Ham decided to keep Walker in the rotation for Game 4. And boy was that an intelligent decision.

Lonnie Walker helped flipped the series for the Los Angeles Lakers

Walker scored 15 points in the fourth quarter of Game 4 vs. the Warriors to propel the Lakers into a firm 3-1 series lead. Walker’s 15 points in the 4th were only two points less than Golden State’s entire fourth quarter scoring (17). Lonnie put on a scoring clinic in the final period. He hit a 3, showcased his smooth handle and pull-up in the midrange, and even got to the bucket in transition. But what was equally impressive throughout the game was his defense.

Walker had zero points coming into the fourth, but he had already played 15 minutes prior because of his defense. Walker wasn’t known as a lockdown defender coming into the NBA, but it’s something he’s certainly developing into.

He was tasked with guarding Steph Curry at times, tracking Klay Thompson around screens, and blowing up backdoor lob passes, all of which he did proficiently. Although Walker’s scoring is what kept him on the court, his defense is what gave him the opportunity to showcase his offense.

Lonnie Walker signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract this summer with the Lakers. And from what he’s shown this regular season and playoffs, being only 24 years old, he’ll be worth more than that this offseason.

Regardless of whether the Lakers go on to win the championship, or even if they can’t, “The Lonnie Walker Game” will be a moment Lakers fans will never forget.