Lonnie Walker IV came off the bench to score 20 points for the Lakers in the win against the Thunder (116-111).
The 24-year-old guard, who was a starter for the Purple and Gold in the early part of the season, has seen his playing time and role diminish. Sometime he would not get any playing time at all.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham praised Walker for staying ready and keeping a positive attitude which helped him have a good game against OKC.
“I would be remissive if I didn’t acknowledge Lonnie Walker,” Ham said after the game. “I said to the team, sometimes – and it’s a reality of our business – you get your minutes cut short or you don’t get to play at all. And all of times it’s due to no fault of your own. It’s just circumstantial.
“He’s the definition what a pro is supposed to do at this level in terms of keeping himself ready, putting extra time in the gym individually, still watching film with the coaches, still getting his rest, still getting his proper nutrition, keeping that great positive attitude that he has.
“And it showed tonight. He didn’t have to come out and worry about getting ready. He’s been staying ready. If he doesn’t have that performance, we don’t win this game. It’s simple as that. Kudos to him for being a pro’s pro.”
This season Walker is averaging 12.2 points, 2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 31.3 minutes per game.
