6 years ago News

Lonnie Walker IV Details Emotional Reason for Haircut

Lonnie Walker IV explains why he cut his hair (Photo via Twitter)

By LJ Ellis

Lonnie Walker IV had one of the most recognizable hairstyles in the NBA. Recently, the 21-year-old swingman for the San Antonio Spurs decided to get a haircut. The reason for the trim wasn’t to better deal with the summer heat in South Texas. The reason, as Walker detailed on Instagram, was much more serious. 

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The real truth as to why i started doing this early 5th grade, it was a cloaking device for me. During the summer of my 5th grade year I was around more family. Some that names will be left alone I was around more. I was sexually harassed, raped, abused, I even got accustomed to it because being at that age you don’t know what is what. I was a gullible curious kid that didn’t know what the real world was. I had a mindset that my hair was something that I can control. My hair was what I can make and create and be mine. And it gave my confidence. As of recently I wasn’t at my best. Previous History popping up in my head and it sucked mentally “demons”….. because of this virus, I began to truly look at myself in the mirror and see who I truly was even behind closed doors. Long story short I have found peace and internal happiness through this journey god willingly. I forgave everyone even the people that don’t deserve it why? Because it’s dead weight. Time doesn’t wait on anyone so why should I waste my time on it ? Me cutting my hair was more than a cut. My hair was a mask of me hiding the insecurity’s that I felt the world wasn’t ready for. But now better then ever. Out with old. In with the new. I have shed my skin mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Life will always be hard. Gotta play with the cards your dealt with and try and make a winning hand. And if you lose. It’s never a lost. It’s a lesson 🙏🏾. I’m gonna be off this for awhile still growing through this. Just know I love each and everyone one of y’all. Peace love and happiness 💕🙏🏾

A post shared by Lonnie Walker IV (@buddah) on

Obviously, it took a lot of bravery for Walker to share what he shared. 

Bryn Forbes said it best on Instagram when replying to Walker’s message: “So much respect for you brother.”

On the court, it’s been an adventurous season for the second-year player out of the University of Miami. After being glued to the bench in October and November, Walker has been a part of the regular rotation since December. Undoubtedly, the highlight of his 2019-20 campaign so far was his 28-point explosion in San Antonio’s 135-133 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Walker’s best month of the season was December, which saw him average 8.5 points in 16.4 minutes per game. On the season, he’s averaging 5.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 14.5 minutes, while shooting 43.4% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the three-point line.

Besides cutting his hair, Walker has been busy during the COVID-19 shutdown. When he wasn’t cleaning up businesses that were impacted by protests in San Antonio, he was meeting with Spurs legend Tony Parker.

With the NBA regular season resuming at the end of July and LaMarcus Aldridge out due to shoulder surgery, it’s possible that Walker could be asked to carry a heavier load to finish out the season. We wish him well — both on and off the court.