‘We don’t win this game without Lonnie Walker’: LeBron James heaps praise on Lakers teammate
‘We won’t win this game without Lonnie Walker’: LeBron James heaps praise on Lakers teammate after guard exploded for 15 points in fourth quarter to help Lakers to massive Game 4 win
- Lonnie Walker had his best playoff game to date helping the Lakers win at home
- The guard played just 3.7 minutes per game against the Grizzlies in Round 1
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The Lakers’ 104-101 victory vs. the Warriors on Monday night was sparked by a wildly unlikely source.
It wasn’t LeBron James, Anthony Davis or even Austin Reaves that led the team’s offense down the stretch.
It was Lonnnie Walker IV, who was barely seen in the previous series vs. the Grizzlies.
With the Lakers trailing by seven after three quarters, Walker exploded for 15 points in the final frame, propelling LA to a successful comeback and a 3-1 series lead.
His teammate James was full of praise for him after the game.
LeBron James celebrates with Lonnie Walker IV after guard’s amazing fourth quarter
Walker scored all of his 15 points in the final period Monday-evening vs. Golden State
“It’s not even about tonight,” he said TNT.
“I told him, I said, ‘Lonnie, stay ready.’ We’re going to need you at some point.'”
“And when he’s as young as he is, when he’s got that professionalism, stay ready when his number is called – we’re not winning this game tonight without Lonnie Walker, that’s for sure.”
Walker averaged just 3.7 minutes over four games vs. Memphis as the Lakers knocked out the No. 2 seed in six games, but he was heavily relied on Monday.
The 2018 No. 18 kicked things off with a three-pointer assisted by James before giving the Lakers a two-point lead with a steal and a layup.
Anthony Davis and James hugged Walker after his clutch performance against Golden State
His free throws with 15 seconds left on the clock would give the home side a three-point lead they would not relinquish.
“Everyone told me to stay ready,” Walker said NBA TV after the match.
Bron, Coach and all. And once my number was called, I was just locked up all the time.”
The Lakers are now just one game away from the Western Conference Finals, though two of a possible three next games will be played away from home in San Francisco.