23-year-old Lonnie Walker IV never imagined he’d be wearing the Purple and Gold. But four years after being drafted in 2018, Walker finds himself as a major player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
This season hasn’t been the prettiest for the Lakeshow, but Lonnie has found fulfillment in learning and growing from one of the game’s greatest.
Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Lonnie reflected on what it’s like playing with LeBron James and explained how it’s a dream come true for him.
“I never expected to play with someone that I truly looked up to growing up. I watched all his games, always talked about him, always raved about him. I had his back when people tried to talk smack. Sometimes it hits you sometimes it doesn’t but it’s for sure an amazing feeling, especially when my friends always ask about it and it’s an honor.”
Lakers guard @lonniewalker_4 was a big fan of @KingJames when he was a kid.
He tells @RickKamlaSports and @adaniels33 how much of an honor it is to play with LeBron. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/4bcdCEBBGx
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) December 22, 2022
With LeBron James, like many other prominent NBA superstars, there seems to be this aura that puts people in awe when they first meet him. For Lonnie, joining LeBron and learning from his mastery first-hand is an experience he’s cherishing.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, we have to wonder how long LeBron will be able to keep up his current standard of play.
What’s Next For The Lakers After Anthony Davis’ Latest Injury?
After starting the season 2-10, and seeing their main star go down for weeks, the Lakers’ season is in serious jeopardy already and there may be no getting out of it. All they can hope for now is that they’re good enough to hang around when Anthony Davis returns.
Regarding Lonnie Walker IV and his prognosis in L.A. it’s no mystery he wants to stay for years to come.
L.A. only has roughly $92 million in contracts committed for next season, when the salary cap is projected to be $134 million, plenty of space to keep Walker if he continues to help the Lakers win — he averaged 18.7 points on 52.5% shooting (46.7% from 3) during L.A.’s recent three-game winning streak.
“I’m here for one year,” Walker says. “I would love to be here for as long as I can. So what do I have to do to get to that point? Being disciplined, being engaged and just stacking the days and being the best I can be is something that’s going to get me there.”
When LeBron James first signed with the Lakers, it practically made them contenders overnight. His impact on the franchise is clear, and his impact on the team’s performance, even now, is undeniable.
So if the Lakers want to maximize what he brings, and make the most of the time he has left as a star in this league, they’ll need to take some action and make some moves before it’s too late.
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