Shams: Lonnie Walker IV Signs with the Lakers, one year at $6.5 million

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I'm pretty sure the Lakers will finish behind the Pelicans. :)

It'll be something like the 25th pick swapped for the 17th or something similar.

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Lonnie will be in ESPN highlight reels... It can't be anything better after Spurs letting him walk

I predicted he would be a regular highlight reel there in Hollywood because he's a high flying get you out of your seat jumper, and it looks effortless. It's a perfect fit in LA. Lots of show, less on the substance though, at least when it all shakes out. His defense is borderline atrocious at times and his jump shot is far from consistent. It's why we let him walk for nothing.

[Rocalcio]

I’m happy for Lonnie to have consistent minutes in LA, being a starter is the cherry on the top. The only problem is that the Lakers are way too exposed to media shit, and the start of their season tells me it will soon be a mess there. We know he has (had?) mental issues, hopefully the upcoming crisis won’t affect him too much.

[spurraider21]

I think it made sense for the Spurs to let Walker leave even though it wasn't the outcome I preferred. They had too many guards, and Walker wasn't progressing in SA. But I will never root against him to justify that move. I don't think he'll be scoring in the 20s regularly, at least not for a while. But I do think he can provide scoring and dynamism from his position. In many ways, the Lakers seem to be hoping Lonnie can be to them what the Spurs seem to be trying to make Primo be this season.
Dno about primo. Seemed like pop wanted Lonnie to be oladipo and the lakers are content with him being Lou Williams

[ambchang]

That's not true. Can't hold everyone to the same standards of Abdul-Jabbar, Bird, Johnson, Jordan, O'Neal, Duncan, James, etc., who mostly had decent or better teams surrounding them.
.

Even robinson, dirk, Garnett, Barkley, west, dr J, moses Malone can drag their teams to the playoffs most of the time. Davis pretty much never or barely did.

[140]

Another huge L for PATFO&fluffers :lmao

[ceperez]

26 points agains LAC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmal23vAbXE.

[rjv]

nice to see lonnie play "well"-even it was for the evil empire. still way too shaky from three point range and on the defensive end but at least he contributed, unlike westbrick. i actually didn't know which team on the floor i hated more.

[Mugen]

Good for Lonnie, hope he has a good year stats wise and gets a big contract next summer. Spurs & the old man were never a great fit for him.

[RC_Drunkford]

Even robinson, dirk, Garnett, Barkley, west, dr J, moses Malone can drag their teams to the playoffs most of the time. Davis pretty much never or barely did.

Aldridge too. But he thinks his "supreme basketball knowledge" supports the argument that AD is a top 75 player :lmao :lmao

[rankingtear]

The Lonnie Walker roller coaster continues. He is bad.. but is he? Yes.

[Leetonidas]

:lol a role player would play better next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James vs Murray and Keldon?? gasp

[John B]

I think Lonnie is a perfect fit for the Lakers, I’m not sure as a starter, but even better. He provides them with occasional dunks and very entertaining. And he did some acrobatic move to the basket last night. The fans are entertained and he sells tickets. Even Coach Ham seems to be a perfect fit him, a player's coach. Just drive to the basket, he said just smiling, on one of the clips. I’m happy for Lonnie especially since nobody seems to want to sign him and now in a perfect situation.

[Spurs Homer]

Cannot believe i was rooting for the lakers…but i never really hated lebron or the brow- even tho both are pretty douchey..

but the HATE for the retard traitor is just too much to overcome…

pretty sure i will root for ANY team the clippers play…

and it was nice to see Lonnie play decently.

[SpurSpike]

Lonnie would be out 2nd best player if he had stayed.

[4lifecowboy]

Beginning to look like Pop hindered Lonnie and Dejonte

[GAustex]

Beginning to look like Pop hindered Lonnie and Dejonte
This

[Vince Carter's ankle]

Beginning to look like Pop hindered Lonnie and Dejonte
I wonder why you didn't post this after the game with GSW


https://sun9-72.userapi.com/impg/X0tLZxGlVme7XUmz-eQPDZqRYREcCMOfE3SkGg/e4YRP9VB1O8.jpg?size=775x656&quality=96&sign=90c270e4b97bee71b9fbf9c33ecd2f1e&type=album

[Leetonidas]

Lonnie would be out 2nd best player if he had stayed.

That's more of a testament to how shitty our team is :lol

[BillMc]

Cannot believe i was rooting for the lakers…but i never really hated lebron or the brow- even tho both are pretty douchey..

but the HATE for the retard traitor is just too much to overcome…

pretty sure i will root for ANY team the clippers play…

and it was nice to see Lonnie play decently.
https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/954/323/394.jpg

[dbestpro]

I will be happy when we can move on from Pop. Time to let the next generation take charge.

[Harry Callahan]

Lonnie would be out 2nd best player if he had stayed.

No. Can't agree with than even today. Too many holes in his game.

Wildly inconsistent. I wouldn't have hated it if he stayed, but sinking a large amount of salary cap space into him is not a wise investment. He's five years into his career now and is looking to get a big contract soon.

The Spurs timeline (full teardown and rebuild) does not mesh with Walker's timeline.

[RC_Drunkford]

I think Lonnie is a perfect fit for the Lakers, I’m not sure as a starter, but even better. He provides them with occasional dunks and very entertaining. And he did some acrobatic move to the basket last night. The fans are entertained and he sells tickets. Even Coach Ham seems to be a perfect fit him, a player's coach. Just drive to the basket, he said just smiling, on one of the clips. I’m happy for Lonnie especially since nobody seems to want to sign him and now in a perfect situation.

he's a great fit for them. Another guy who shoots under 30% from 3. That's exactly what they need :lol

[TD 21]

Even robinson, dirk, Garnett, Barkley, west, dr J, moses Malone can drag their teams to the playoffs most of the time. Davis pretty much never or barely did.

Context: Davis not only had bad - mediocre talent, but the best surrounding talent was chronically injured on top of that.

The guy was playing at a MVP/first ballot HOF level. If it wasn't enough to do much team wise, maybe just maybe he wasn't the problem.



Aldridge too. But he thinks his "supreme basketball knowledge" supports the argument that AD is a top 75 player :lmao :lmao

:lmao You people are ridiculous. First off, Davis was named top 75. Second, go virtually anywhere outside of this forum and spout this nonsense and you'll be laughed at and dismissed.

[Leetonidas]

26 points yesterday but 5 the game before. shooting 39% so far in two games and 16% from three :lol yeah we really missed out on keeping this guy!

[Atl Spur]

I wonder why you didn't post this after the game with GSW


https://sun9-72.userapi.com/impg/X0tLZxGlVme7XUmz-eQPDZqRYREcCMOfE3SkGg/e4YRP9VB1O8.jpg?size=775x656&quality=96&sign=90c270e4b97bee71b9fbf9c33ecd2f1e&type=album
Stop being mean!!! Let these clowns fawn over Lonnie:)

[exstatic]

Coach Ham just asked Lonnie smiling, just drive the ball. I think Lonnie will thrive with the Lakers tbh

He won’t be any different than he was here. Highlight dunks, the occasional outburst,but ultimately a net negative.

[GAustex]

Stop being mean!!! Let these clowns fawn over Lonnie:)

Miss Cleo I see u playing the sock puppet game.
Shame on you

[ambchang]

Context: Davis not only had bad - mediocre talent, but the best surrounding talent was chronically injured on top of that.

The guy was playing at a MVP/first ballot HOF level. If it wasn't enough to do much team wise, maybe just maybe he wasn't the problem.




:lmao You people are ridiculous. First off, Davis was named top 75. Second, go virtually anywhere outside of this forum and spout this nonsense and you'll be laughed at and dismissed.

To clarify, I think he was clearly a top 75 player of all time. There were a bunch of players that made it that were clearly worse than AD. Robert Parish, Jerry Lucas, Lillard, Melo, Rodman, Hal Greer, Rodman, Worthy, just as a few examples.

However, the context was that he was in line to become the next Duncan, which he never was even close to. The Pelicans were bad, but not so bad that they would finish so poorly. Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordan, Tyreke Evans, Ryan Anderson, Al-Farouq Aminu, Lance Stephenson, Nikola Mirotic, Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins for a very short time, Randle. Sure these are not all-stars, but consistently winning 35 to 40 games a year? Luka is making playoffs with absolute dogshit as his teammates, the Grizzlies were making the playoffs with an ancient Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, Nuggest had a better record with Danillo Gallinari leading them in scoring and supported by a very young Jokic. A 37 year old Nowitzki made the playoffs with fat Deron Williams and Chandler Parsons as his best supporting players.

Davis put up great numbers on some pretty bad teams, in 7 years with NO, he made the playoffs TWICE! That's horrible.

[BacktoBasics]

Walker would massively benefit from them moving Westbrook

[timtonymanu]

We saw Walker do this all the time, puts up 20+ PPG game then looking very raw the next. Gotta see some consistency out of him, but like us the lakers are desperate for talent too.

[Slippy]

Walker would massively benefit from them moving Westbrook

Yap . Gald to see him flourishing, not surprised and all the anti walker posts in here since. Lol

[Dejounte]

:lol a role player would play better next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James vs Murray and Keldon?? gasp

Huh….sounds like something I’ve been saying all along yet people still spout this nonsense that the team needs to be talented from top to bottom

dont forget White too who is now starting for the Celtics

Folks saying our players would never start or be a rotation player on other teams :lmao same guys saying the same shit now about our current roster yet flash forward a year from now and the ones who aren’t here anymore will probably be key players on a contending team.

[TD 21]

To clarify, I think he was clearly a top 75 player of all time. There were a bunch of players that made it that were clearly worse than AD. Robert Parish, Jerry Lucas, Lillard, Melo, Rodman, Hal Greer, Rodman, Worthy, just as a few examples.

However, the context was that he was in line to become the next Duncan, which he never was even close to. The Pelicans were bad, but not so bad that they would finish so poorly. Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordan, Tyreke Evans, Ryan Anderson, Al-Farouq Aminu, Lance Stephenson, Nikola Mirotic, Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins for a very short time, Randle. Sure these are not all-stars, but consistently winning 35 to 40 games a year? Luka is making playoffs with absolute dogshit as his teammates, the Grizzlies were making the playoffs with an ancient Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, Nuggest had a better record with Danillo Gallinari leading them in scoring and supported by a very young Jokic. A 37 year old Nowitzki made the playoffs with fat Deron Williams and Chandler Parsons as his best supporting players.

Davis put up great numbers on some pretty bad teams, in 7 years with NO, he made the playoffs TWICE! That's horrible.

Davis was/is always going to be more Robinson/Garnett than Olajuwon/Duncan, which is to say at a championship contending level, he's more so a finisher than creator as any big who can't be a low post hub of the offense inevitably is.

Still, most of his prominent teammates were either chronically injured, didn't last long with them or both. The West was also brutal during that time period.

It's also not 2k. Individually, that might seem like fine talent, but they always lacked the secret sauce to virtually any good team: sizable two-way role players.

[BackHome]

I would not even put Davis even in the same conversation as Robinson people really forget how good he was. If he had played for a big Market team he would be worshipped like a God in the media but to our luck and fortune we got him for his career

[ambchang]

Davis was/is always going to be more Robinson/Garnett than Olajuwon/Duncan, which is to say at a championship contending level, he's more so a finisher than creator as any big who can't be a low post hub of the offense inevitably is.

Still, most of his prominent teammates were either chronically injured, didn't last long with them or both. The West was also brutal during that time period.

It's also not 2k. Individually, that might seem like fine talent, but they always lacked the secret sauce to virtually any good team: sizable two-way role players.

Robinson carried the offence of a 50win teams for six years. Garnett carried the offence of a horrible wolves team to mid 40 wins. Both of those guys were top 25 of so type players. Davis is likely around top 50 to 60.

[Mr. Body]

Davis isn't anywhere close to sight range of Robinson and Garnett. He's never carried a team anywhere near what those players did. He had one great season with LAL when the whole league had checked out and now, still in his prime, he's back to filing up empty stats.

There was a lot of talk about how he's the best PF of his era yet guys like Griffin and LMA were better. A total fraud.

[RC_Drunkford]

Davis was/is always going to be more Robinson/Garnett than Olajuwon/Duncan, which is to say at a championship contending level, he's more so a finisher than creator as any big who can't be a low post hub of the offense inevitably is.

Still, most of his prominent teammates were either chronically injured, didn't last long with them or both. The West was also brutal during that time period.

It's also not 2k. Individually, that might seem like fine talent, but they always lacked the secret sauce to virtually any good team: sizable two-way role players.

:lmao :lmao :lmao Comparing AD to Garnett and Robinson who both won MVPs. Davis was never even in a regular season MVP race and it's him who's always injured, cause he's made out of glass.

[TD 21]

:lmao :lmao :lmao Comparing AD to Garnett and Robinson who both won MVPs. Davis was never even in a regular season MVP race and it's him who's always injured, cause he's made out of glass.

:lmao At the lack of basic reading comprehension.

[John B]

I thought this was Lonnie Walker thread :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

:lmao At the lack of basic reading comprehension.

yea right, now everybody who replied read the bullshit you wrote wrong :lmao :lmao :lmao

[TD 21]

yea right, now everybody who replied read the bullshit you wrote wrong :lmao :lmao :lmao

I clearly meant style of play as opposed to caliber, although he's far closer in that too than you nostalgic casuals realize.

[LkrFan]

Stop being mean!!! Let these clowns fawn over Lonnie:)

Right now Lonnie our 3rd best player :lol

[Atl Spur]

Miss Cleo I see u playing the sock puppet game.
Shame on you

You like me huh? You gave a name and everything:) you enjoy this win? Im listening….

[Atl Spur]

Right now Lonnie our 3rd best player :lol

Like I said…..poor you! ��. I respect your fandom though����

[BillMc]

I thought this was Lonnie Walker thread :lol

As usual Lonnie has disappeared...

[John B]

As usual Lonnie has disappeared...

:lol

[mo7888]

As usual Lonnie has disappeared...

You win the internet today lol

[GAustex]

You like me huh? You gave a name and everything:) you enjoy this win? Im listening….
No real playa will ever play to lose.
I am on record being from the Herm Edwards school
You play to win the game
Your boys two years ago lotto and this years second rounder Primo, Zollins and Langford still ain’t showing anything

Spurs would be better off playing hard and losing but winning does have benefits

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Pretty good start for Lonnie, but not really outplaying his numbers from last year, just getting more minutes. I like Lonnie, but FTL.

[LkrFan]

Like I said…..poor you! ��. I respect your fandom though����

:toast

[InRareForm]

Lillard embarrassed Lonnie on multiple possesions

[mo7888]

:toast

My condolences on your loss today...I think we're gonna have to pull back the jak, JRich, and McBuckets offer...it looks like we're overpaying now..

Lol

[KingKev]

Alot of people on this board wrote Dame off talmbout he is basically DDR.

[LkrFan]

My condolences on your loss today...I think we're gonna have to pull back the jak, JRich, and McBuckets offer...it looks like we're overpaying now..

Lol

:cry

[cool cat]

-27 tonight, ouch.

[Mr. Body]

How did the Lakers spend another offseason not getting any shooters?

[exstatic]

-27 tonight, ouch.

Considering that his career net rating was -11 when he left here, not a surprise.

[Cabrito]

While I did want Lonnie back because I think he is improving (slowly), even with no Primo, it’s better for minutes to go to J Rich, Romeo, and the rookies. I hope he gets a nice contract after the year with LeBron, he is a good dude, just incredibly inconsistent. Maybe the light bulb will come on as he matures. Maybe.

[InRareForm]

Lonnie a good fit for this Lakers team. Much needed athleticism and knocking down 3's. Leading scorer for Lakers tonight

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Lonnie a good fit for this Lakers team. Much needed athleticism and knocking down 3's. Leading scorer for Lakers tonight

Yes he rounds them out nicely. The Lakers look great this year. He was the missing piece.

[spurs1990]

It took a massive choke by the Daniels kid on the Bobcats for LA to pull this out. Matt Ryan's shot will be the highlight of LA's year

FTL

[LkrFan]

Yes he rounds them out nicely. The Lakers look great this year. He was the missing piece.

Ed got jokes :cry

[SpurSpike]

Lonnie's quote about his new coach.

"The opportunity has been great. I think this is one of the very first times where I’m allowed to play through my mistakes and do what I do. A coach like Darvin, he’s allowing me to just do my game and play free. On the defensive side, he knows what he wants out of me and I’m willing to take on that challenge, and on the offensive side, I’m just doing what I do. I know what I’m capable of and it’s only going to continue to get better and better. But when you have a coach that has your back and trusts you through thick and thin, it goes a long way.”

[Chinook]

"Also we don't have any flashers on this team. It's really amazing."

[Slippy]

Lonnie's quote about his new coach.

"The opportunity has been great. I think this is one of the very first times where I’m allowed to play through my mistakes and do what I do. A coach like Darvin, he’s allowing me to just do my game and play free. On the defensive side, he knows what he wants out of me and I’m willing to take on that challenge, and on the offensive side, I’m just doing what I do. I know what I’m capable of and it’s only going to continue to get better and better. But when you have a coach that has your back and trusts you through thick and thin, it goes a long way.”

Its a telling quote but no-one should be surprised. Not to mention Ham has started Lonnie . Pop felt the need to showcase Bryn .

[lefty20]

Lonnie had a ton of freedom last year and didn't do shit with it.

I'm happy for him doe. He seems like a good kid. I'd fine with him averaging 25ppg on 60% ts while helping the Lakers improve to 36 wins total this year.

[Chomag]

Didn't the last USA team almost mutiny on Pop, before he made some changes to free them up?

[poopbox]

I wonder how many players Pop has ruined not letting them play through mistakes tbh :rollin

[Fireball]

As others said, he had all opportunities last season but being inconsistent on both sides of the court led to the decision to let him go. He is exciting to watch and I hope he has some great games whole the Lakers continue to suck ...

[rankingtear]

Its a telling quote but no-one should be surprised. Not to mention Ham has started Lonnie . Pop felt the need to showcase Bryn .

To be fair Bryn is better.

[MannyIsGod]

Didn't the last USA team almost mutiny on Pop, before he made some changes to free them up?

lmao what? If y'all believe this no wonder you hate Pop.

[timtonymanu]

I would agree with this if we were talking about 2nd year Lonnie that had to "fall in line" and play behind guys like Belinelli and Forbes. :lol

But both were gone by the time he was given more opportunities and he really didn't do much with it. He disappointed in the play-in games.

[exstatic]

Lonnie had a ton of freedom last year and didn't do shit with it.

I'm happy for him doe. He seems like a good kid. I'd fine with him averaging 25ppg on 60% ts while helping the Lakers improve to 36 wins total this year.

His three point shooting has been on a 4 year slide.

[KingKev]

You can’t deny Pop’s system isn’t for everyone. Some guys thrive in it, and sometimes they even thrive ao much they grow out of it. Some guys struggle in it like Walker but might thrive elsewhere.

Walker has too much damn talent not to make it somewhere but I was happy to see him go. With that being said he tried to do it Pop’s way and it just wasn’t a fit.

[Seventyniner]

It is quite possible for Lonnie leaving to be good for both him and the Spurs. It's not zero-sum.

[rjv]

darvin has no choice but to defer to lonnie as a third option. this lakers team has no offense outside of lebron and AD.

[objective]

Lonnie got the Pop mindgame special in San Antonio.

Learns what Pop wants on defense by watching Marco and Bryn defecate all over the court. Gets his first start on the road against the best team in the league, and when he doesn't have a great outing, it was Pop's excuse to bury him. That was the end of confident carefree Lonnie. Only later when he cut his hair and went public with abuse suffered did Pop feel he had gotten over himself and was properly humbled and humiliated.

Space cadets and mindgames don't always mix well.

Anyways, per 36 he's actually scoring less than last year.

[BillMc]

I translate this as my new coach doesn't yell at me when I take bad shots or don't play defense. He's the easy substitute teacher, not the the hard one who wanted me to improve.

[John B]

All it was was Lonnie scoring like streetball. We know he could score. But the defense still sucks. I watch the games and often you see him drifting off and his guy beating him to the hole. I like Lonnie. But if he’s gonna throw mud on Pop and Spurs, well fuck him too. I think Spurs try to do him good, but there just wasn’t enough up there.

[Mugen]

Nothing about Lonnie's quote is wrong tbh. :lol

Bryn Forbes was literally playing huge minutes over him and the Sniff Crew was absolutely loving it. I'm happy for Lonnie that he's getting better coached that recognizes his talent and limitations tbh

[Atl Spur]

Lonnie's quote about his new coach.

"The opportunity has been great. I think this is one of the very first times where I’m allowed to play through my mistakes and do what I do. A coach like Darvin, he’s allowing me to just do my game and play free. On the defensive side, he knows what he wants out of me and I’m willing to take on that challenge, and on the offensive side, I’m just doing what I do. I know what I’m capable of and it’s only going to continue to get better and better. But when you have a coach that has your back and trusts you through thick and thin, it goes a long way.”

He’s a low bbiq player; nba journeyman

[John B]

Nothing about Lonnie's quote is wrong tbh. :lol

Bryn Forbes was literally playing huge minutes over him and the Sniff Crew was absolutely loving it. I'm happy for Lonnie that he's getting better coached that recognizes his talent and limitations tbh

So basically moving the goal post :toast

[Slippy]

He’s a low bbiq player; nba journeyman

Patrick Beverley fits this description journeyman better. Multiple teams


Lonnie is smoking since coming back from injury. 19 amd 25.

Its a damn shame we coulnt see him gel with this young spurs crew who are seriously competitive.

[Slippy]

He’s a low bbiq player; nba journeyman

Patrick Beverley fits this description journeyman better. Multiple teams


Lonnie is smoking since coming back from injury. 19 amd 25.

Its a damn shame we coulnt see him gel with this young spurs crew who are seriously competitive.

[Leetonidas]

Lonnie was always capable of putting up counting stats on a bad team. Him playing well in LA is more a result of how awful everyone else is on the roster in comparison. He looks great next to two all stars when all of the other guys behind him are hasbeens or nobodies

[Cabrito]

I am glad to see he is improving as a scorer. He still only got one rebound, zero assists/steals/blocks last night so he is far from a finished product. I would liked for the Spurs to have kept him because he is usable now, but we also didn’t know Primo would get waived and Wesley injured.

[spurraider21]

Nothing about Lonnie's quote is wrong tbh. :lol

Bryn Forbes was literally playing huge minutes over him and the Sniff Crew was absolutely loving it. I'm happy for Lonnie that he's getting better coached that recognizes his talent and limitations tbh
:lol tbh

[buttsR4rebounding]

Nothing about Lonnie's quote is wrong tbh. :lol

Bryn Forbes was literally playing huge minutes over him and the Sniff Crew was absolutely loving it. I'm happy for Lonnie that he's getting better coached that recognizes his talent and limitations tbh

That’s BS. This board was virtually unanimous in its disgust that Forbes was playing.

[John B]

Sean talking about Devin's scoring jump, highest in the NBA, warrantying a MIP

[Slippy]

I am glad to see he is improving as a scorer. He still only got one rebound, zero assists/steals/blocks last night so he is far from a finished product. I would liked for the Spurs to have kept him because he is usable now, but we also didn’t know Primo would get waived and Wesley injured.
They dont need Lonnie to create, they got enough creators.. the rebounds could be better but others did have the boards covered.

They need outside shooting and scoring from any guard. Patrick Beverley who promised the world has been a letdown. Lonnie was 4 from 5, 20 plus minus and scored 25 for a much needed win.

He helped the spurs win games last season too who had no legit stars so the change of surroundings with 2 legits stars has nothing to do with it.

[RC_Drunkford]

Lonnie Walker impacts losing not winning. I don't care how many points he puts up, he will always be a net negative. His advanced stats are atrocious

[JPB]

Lonnie got the Pop mindgame special in San Antonio.

Learns what Pop wants on defense by watching Marco and Bryn defecate all over the court. Gets his first start on the road against the best team in the league, and when he doesn't have a great outing, it was Pop's excuse to bury him. That was the end of confident carefree Lonnie. Only later when he cut his hair and went public with abuse suffered did Pop feel he had gotten over himself and was properly humbled and humiliated.

Space cadets and mindgames don't always mix well.

Anyways, per 36 he's actually scoring less than last year.

So , it's was better wit Pop...

[The Truth #6]

Pop wanted a star and gave him the tough love approach on how to be a complete player, I think. Ultimately, Lonnie was just a role player and needed to go to another team.

[John B]

The difference with Lonnie and Luka, both lower bball IQ but plenty of bball skills. Lonnie is a winner though. He persevered and now in a great situation. Luka folded. It’s still not too late for Luka. He’s only 22 and working his way in Celtics G-League affiliate. But what sticks out is the questionable character on Luka, Primo, both standouts at the Combine. Sometimes it’s the character that would push a player through adversities, the Avery Johnson’s, what’s lacking in natural athleticism he compensates in character and hard work, Malik Rose, Bruce Bowen and now Tre Jones. Smart players who put in the time to get better, not nevessarily the best athletes.

Too Lonnie didn’t workout for the Spurs. I think in different times he would’ve made it. I don’t see him much different with Antonio Daniels, you kept waiting for him to fly and dunk on somebody. Yup during the championship years, Spurs could’ve kept him.

[The Truth #6]

Because he's on the Lakers, and if he continues to put up numbers, be prepared for him to get MIP talk.

[John B]

Because he's on the Lakers, and if he continues to put up numbers, be prepared for him to get MIP talk.

not a bad take

[Slippy]

Lonnie Walker impacts losing not winning. I don't care how many points he puts up, he will always be a net negative. His advanced stats are atrocious

This is a stupidly emo take . His advanced stats are atrocious but you dont care about the utimate stat called scoring. You know the number that actually wins you the fuking game..

There is a role for scorers in this league especially with Lonnies atlhletic advantage. . when the ofense dries up every team needs a go to guy to turn the offense around. That's Lonnies nishe in the nba.

[exstatic]

This is a stupidly emo take . His advanced stats are atrocious but you dont care about the utimate stat called scoring. You know the number that actually wins you the fuking game..

There is a role for scorers in this league especially with Lonnies atlhletic advantage. . when the ofense dries up every team needs a go to guy to turn the offense around. That's Lonnies nishe in the nba.

This is a stupidly emo take. Rebounds lead to scores, steals and blocks lead to EASY scores, and assists, by definition lead directly to scores.

[JeffDuncan]

Lonnie Walker impacts losing not winning. I don't care how many points he puts up, he will always be a net negative. His advanced stats are atrocious


Of course it’s early, small sample, blahblah, but Walker’s advanced stats are substantially improved compared to his time with the Spurs. While not particularly good, they are no longer atrocious.

His PER is 14.7 (league avg is 15.). His highest with the Spurs was 12.3 last year. For the first time, he’s close to being a league average player, by that stat.

His true shooting % is the best of his career, as is his free throw attempt rate.

His rebounding and assists are down, but I don’t think the Fakers rely on him much in those areas. We’re talking about a team that has James, Davis, Westbrook…

His steals and blocks are better than last year, and his turnover % is lower.

His WS/48 is the best of his career, by nearly 50 pts (currently .084 vs .037 last season.)

For the first time, his VORP is a positive number.

So it does appear that he has benefited from the change of scenery. We should get to see Walker again, several times, in the near future, and it’ll be interesting to see how he looks.

[Kevin]

Small sample size but advanced stats actually like Lonnie's defense so far this season. His DBPM is positive after averaging a negative 1.1 DBPM in his time with the Spurs. He's also on pace to smash his defensive win share numbers this season. Very interesting if this hold up.

[Slippy]

This is a stupidly emo take. Rebounds lead to scores, steals and blocks lead to EASY scores, and assists, by definition lead directly to scores.

You missed the point stupid. Scoring wins you games. Which he dont care about as he'd rather have adanced stats. You Stay you.

[KingKev]

Walker now a deep bench player for the Lakers.

[BacktoBasics]

Walker now a deep bench player for the Lakers.

I don’t believe this is completely performance related. The injury pulled him out of the rotation awhile ago. Started slowly working back in. Then the trades happened and it reshaped the roster before he re-established himself.

He started the year strong. Let’s see if he works his way back into the rotation by seasons end.

[Rocalcio]

The rare minutes he had he was pretty efficient, I hope he’ll get some bigger opportunities.

[KingKev]

I don’t believe this is completely performance related. The injury pulled him out of the rotation awhile ago. Started slowly working back in. Then the trades happened and it reshaped the roster before he re-established himself.

He started the year strong. Let’s see if he works his way back into the rotation by seasons end.

With LBJ out he’ll get more minutes I suspect.

[Leetonidas]

He sucks

[Kevin]

Glad Lonnie got a 6.5 million dollar pay day from the Lakers. He'll be making 1.8 million per season from now on.

[rjv]

it wouldn't shock me if lonnie is out of the league by the time he's 30

[exstatic]

it wouldn't shock me if lonnie is out of the league by the time he's 30

Ironic, since I was just looking at his bbref page. Near the bottom of each page, they list 10 player comps, based on WS. Of his 10, 4 never played a 4th season in the league.

[K...]

it wouldn't shock me if lonnie is out of the league by the time he's 30

Thats the more than the average of a random FRP. In fact its a huge success. Dude earned it .

[K...]

Double

[wildbill2u]

Lonnie has such great physical ability he was a crowd pleaser on dunks; however, like some other players we've had on the Spurs, he wasn't able to translate his physical prowess into consistent all-around play that would keep him high on the rotation list. He may be back in the scramble for minutes in the rotation with the recent Laker trade moves. I think many of us kinda have a soft spot for Lonnie since he had a bad upbringing and has this chance to make something of his life. I wish him a few more years in the league where he can qualify for the pension as well as some contracts that might set him up for life if he is careful with his money.

[rogcl1]

Lonnie has such great physical ability he was a crowd pleaser on dunks; however, like some other players we've had on the Spurs, he wasn't able to translate his physical prowess into consistent all-around play that would keep him high on the rotation list. He may be back in the scramble for minutes in the rotation with the recent Laker trade moves. I think many of us kinda have a soft spot for Lonnie since he had a bad upbringing and has this chance to make something of his life. I wish him a few more years in the league where he can qualify for the pension as well as some contracts that might set him up for life if he is careful with his money.

Lonnie lacks grit. With it he would be great.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Lonnie has such great physical ability he was a crowd pleaser on dunks; however, like some other players we've had on the Spurs, he wasn't able to translate his physical prowess into consistent all-around play that would keep him high on the rotation list. He may be back in the scramble for minutes in the rotation with the recent Laker trade moves. I think many of us kinda have a soft spot for Lonnie since he had a bad upbringing and has this chance to make something of his life. I wish him a few more years in the league where he can qualify for the pension as well as some contracts that might set him up for life if he is careful with his money.

He should be set for life now. Counting this year he has career earnings of $19 million. That doesn't include any endorsement money he's collected along the way.

[spurraider21]

elite athlete with a good shooting stroke and couldnt quite put it together, shame. sky was the limit for him

[exstatic]

elite athlete with a good shooting stroke and couldnt quite put it together, shame. sky was the limit for him

Reminds me a lot of Ben McLemore, elite vertical athlete, nice shooting touch, but really nothing else. Few rebounds for that athleticism, few assists, almost no defensive events. Ben was out of the league after his 28 YO season last year.

[Mugen]

Bummer tbh. I like Lonnie a lot, hopefully he can get another prove it contract this summer.

[exstatic]

Bummer tbh. I like Lonnie a lot, hopefully he can get another prove it contract this summer.

He’s a good kid, so he’ll get more chances that he would otherwise.

[wildbill2u]

Here's a question for Spur fans: Was getting rid of Lonnie a good move for the FO? Would he be an asset to the team going forward if he were still here?

[Mr. Body]

Here's a question for Spur fans: Was getting rid of Lonnie a good move for the FO?

Oh yes.

[KingKev]

Here's a question for Spur fans: Was getting rid of Lonnie a good move for the FO? Would he be an asset to the team going forward if he were still here?

Yes. Walker isn’t an asset. He is on a fair 1 yr deal and probably makes less next season.

[couchman]

What the Spurs need to do right now and for the next few years is to find and develop potential star players and good starters.
Lonnie is, at best, a solid role player off the bench for a good team.
That's ok if he's not taking minutes from young prospects, but on this Spurs team he would be.

[Maddog]

Here's a question for Spur fans: Was getting rid of Lonnie a good move for the FO? Would he be an asset to the team going forward if he were still here?

I think it was handled well on all fronts
Reasonable draft pick at the time
Became clear he was not going to be a star- let him go
Move on- give the minutes to Malaki, Devin etc

[spurraider21]

Anybody doubt that he reads ST? :lol

[Leetonidas]

Here's a question for Spur fans: Was getting rid of Lonnie a good move for the FO? Would he be an asset to the team going forward if he were still here?

Yes, it was a good move. No, he wouldn't be an asset. I guarantee LAL tried to trade him to anyone who would take him for something useful in return and they had no takers

[pad300]

Anybody doubt that he reads ST? :lol

Doubt it. His head isn't on all that right; if he'd read all the shit posted about him here, we'd have had rumors of suicide attempts by now...

[buttsR4rebounding]

Probably could have had a perfect RRT if we kept him...just saying.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Unfortunately I don't think Lonnie will ever be a star or even a regular #3 guy on a good team....too inconsistent and a lack of defensive awareness. Doesn't really have the focus of a competitive winner.

I sure liked him in that one game for us against the Rockets though.

[lmbebo]

He's a player that can put up good numbers, but not consistently. He'll have a role in the league (hopefully for awhile), but at best as a scoring punch off of the bench. Might fall into your 4th guard during the regular season.

[scott]

I was thinking about Lonnie during the slam dunk contest, wondering why he was never invited to participate. Oh well.

Great kid, wish him all the best. But a good example how elite athleticism doesn't translate to being an elite professional basketball player.

[Dex]

Yes. Walker isn’t an asset. He is on a fair 1 yr deal and probably makes less next season.

Agreed. If Lonnie was an asset, Spurs would have been able to move him for at least a second-rounder.

The fact that they just let him play out his contract and walk meant there were no offers on the table, and he ended up on a 1-year contract with a Lakers team that was short on options and has still fallen out of the rotation.

[John B]

He picked up well with 21 and 13 points the last two games with increased minutes. He's a streaky scorer who should always have a place at Lakers and bigger market with his highlight reel dunks. I don’t get the hate. I’m happy for this kid.

[exstatic]

He picked up well with 21 and 13 points the last two games with increased minutes. He's a streaky scorer who should always have a place at Lakers and bigger market with his highlight reel dunks. I don’t get the hate. I’m happy for this kid.

I like the kid, but I recognize that he has a LOT of shortcomings as a player. He plays no defense, and outside of a 3 point shot, and vertical athleticism that allows him to highlight dunk, he has no real basketball skills, and a pretty low bbiq. That’s not hate,it’s truth.

He has a great attitude and that alone should keep him in the league for a while.

[The Truth #6]

Exactly. Good dude. Still figuring it out. For now is going to be fighting to keep a career.

[Dverde]

Been fun seeing Lakers fan realize what Lonnie is or isn’t. He has a great highlight reel, but he is at best a bench player.

[rjv]

He picked up well with 21 and 13 points the last two games with increased minutes. He's a streaky scorer who should always have a place at Lakers and bigger market with his highlight reel dunks. I don’t get the hate. I’m happy for this kid.

i don't think too many on ST hate lonnie, when he was a Spur, there he was frustrating to watch. also, i think that he's a laker makes it harder to root for him because he's a laker. but most here seem to wish him well because of how great a SA resident he seemed to be. he's still the same flawed player though.

[baseline bum]

Here's a question for Spur fans: Was getting rid of Lonnie a good move for the FO? Would he be an asset to the team going forward if he were still here?

Kind of pointless on this roster with Vassell already showing he's a much more complete player.

[Atl Spur]

Kind of pointless on this roster with Vassell already showing he's a much more complete player.

Don’t forget Branham…..

[poopbox]

Pop ruined him trying to make him something he not and taking him out if he sneezed the wrong way

[RC_Drunkford]

Lonnie is who he always was. A low confidence athletic freak with 0 bball IQ and no defense. He's at best an inefficient bench player with negative impact all across the board.

[Cabrito]

Lakers have Austin Reeves in the rotation ahead of Lonnie. It doesn’t look like Reeves is giving it up either. Lonnie barely plays nowadays. He might be a minimum contract guy next year.

[Ocotillo]

Lakers have Austin Reeves in the rotation ahead of Lonnie. It doesn’t look like Reeves is giving it up either. Lonnie barely plays nowadays. He might be a minimum contract guy next year.

I believe they will value the roster spot more than Lonnie.

[Maddog]

Pretty much agrees with this board

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/03/free-agent-stock-watch-pacific-division-5.html


Still just 24 years old, Walker is an explosive athlete but he’s just an OK shooter and doesn’t provide much in terms of rebounding, passing or defense. When he’s been on the court, he has a minus-7.2 net rating, the worst among the team’s rotation regulars. When he’s off, the Lakers are plus-3.3.

I’d be pretty surprised if he receives a starting salary at the taxpayer mid-level exception again next season.

[tonight...you]

Pretty much agrees with this board

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/03/free-agent-stock-watch-pacific-division-5.html


Still just 24 years old, Walker is an explosive athlete but he’s just an OK shooter and doesn’t provide much in terms of rebounding, passing or defense. When he’s been on the court, he has a minus-7.2 net rating, the worst among the team’s rotation regulars. When he’s off, the Lakers are plus-3.3.

I’d be pretty surprised if he receives a starting salary at the taxpayer mid-level exception again next season.

You know, it's wild.
2 of the 3 things that are his negatives are things he can control with effort and attention.
He could have been much more than he is, but he's not.

[exstatic]

You know, it's wild.
2 of the 3 things that are his negatives are things he can control with effort and attention.
He could have been much more than he is, but he's not.

His bbiq is low on both sides of the ball. I’m not sure that an effort issue.

[spurs1990]

Are y'all watching this? Our boy is going full SJax vs Mavs 2003

[SpurPadre]

Walker playing the game of his life this quarter. Props.

[lefty]

:lol Spurms

[BatManu20]

Lonnie just won the lakers this series. 15 pts in the 4th Qtr. The tradition of former spurs being traded and playing better for their new team continues :lol

[timtonymanu]

Good for him but let’s not act like he would have games like this only to suck ass the next game.

[james evans]

it's amazing how many former spurs players continue to shine with other teams in the playoffs hahaha. This is NOT a good look for popovich. But yall already know this and refuse to admit it.

[SpurPadre]

Good for him but let’s not act like he would have games like this only to suck ass the next game.

As good as he was tonight, he made some of the same stupid passes that drove Pop crazy lol.

[james evans]

Lonnie just won the lakers this series. The tradition of former spurs being traded and playing better for their new team continues :lol
it will never end because popovich is at the point in his career that he does not know how to get the best out of some guys.

[james evans]

Lonnie is who he always was. A low confidence athletic freak with 0 bball IQ and no defense. He's at best an inefficient bench player with negative impact all across the board.
welp.

[rankingtear]

Maybe there is a malik monk player in there in a few years.

[Mr. Body]

He's the same player he was before. He had scoring bursts, like the one against Houston. Here, he's and playing off the gravity LeBron and Davis. There's a reason he wasn't getting time late in the season.

[timtonymanu]

Again he would have games like this and then disappear the next game. Y’all are acting like Lonnie has been doing this consistently.

[SpurPadre]

Pop: "You're welcome, Lakers."

[Ariel]

Aw, come on. I'm happy for Lonnie, it's going to help him land his next contract, but no regrets whatsoever. The only player that hurts seeing him elsewhere is Derrick White, but even he had to go. Hope he finds his way back one day, though. As for the rest, good riddance.

[LkrFan]

Pop: "You're welcome, Lakers."

Gracias mi amigo :toast

[spurs1990]

He did this on the defending champs in the 4th quarter with his team being down (a team anchored by James and Davis!). I hoenstly don't remember Walker playing in the 2019 Denver series, so doing it on this stage is special.

I wouldn't go this far but our resident media Spurs supporter was moved

1655794828029067264

[poopbox]

He's the same player he was before. He had scoring bursts, like the one against Houston. Here, he's and playing off the gravity LeBron and Davis. There's a reason he wasn't getting time late in the season.

Got time in the biggest win of the season so far for the Lakers.

Ham knows something we don't. For two straight games he put Lonnie in when he was trying to deliver the knockout blow to the warriors and both times he got the W.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Good for him and happy for him. No hate in my blood for him.

[Mr. Body]

Got time in the biggest win of the season so far for the Lakers.

Ham knows something we don't. For two straight games he put Lonnie in when he was trying to deliver the knockout blow to the warriors and both times he got the W.

Played him being desparate. DLO has been so shitty.

[Mr. Body]

Just glad the Warriors might finally get shitcanned. Now if someone can just beat the Celtics and Lakers.

[SpurPadre]

I feel dirty AF rooting for LeBron and the Lakers but fuck the Dubs.

[cjw]

it's amazing how many former spurs players continue to shine with other teams in the playoffs hahaha. This is NOT a good look for popovich. But yall already know this and refuse to admit it.

No, it actually is a really good look. These guys get coached up and can compete at highest level. White and Murray included this postseason.

[SpurPadre]

TNT guys acting like this was Walker's first game of his career and that LeBron is the one who found him lol.

[daslicer]

it's amazing how many former spurs players continue to shine with other teams in the playoffs hahaha. This is NOT a good look for popovich. But yall already know this and refuse to admit it.

You know me I have never been a Pro-Pop guy, but Lonnie is in an ideal role with Lakers compared to when he was with the Spurs. He's playing with legit great players in AD and Lebron and can thrive in the role of being a good complimentary player for them. When he was with the Spurs all he had was Demar who doesn't compare.

It also remains to be seen if he can be consistent with his jump shot. We saw what he did tonight for years and then saw him follow it up with a terrible game.

[daslicer]

I feel dirty AF rooting for LeBron and the Lakers but fuck the Dubs.

Yes, same here lol. Just one more game and I will throw them in the garbage like a ho.

[Spurs9]

Lonnie was my favorite Spurs, wish we still had him. Always thought he had more potential, great to see him ball out against the Warriors.

[SpurPadre]

Yes, same here lol. Just one more game and I will throw them in the garbage like a ho.

But imagine if we have to choose between Durant and the Suns vs. Lebron and the Lakers in the WCF? Ugh... Walker tips the scales, I guess lol.

[daslicer]

But imagine if we have to choose between Durant and the Suns vs. Lebron and the Lakers in the WCF? Ugh... Walker tips the scales, I guess lol.

I don't hate the Suns. Granted I'm not a fan of CP3 or Durant but them winning a championship won't alter their legacies by much. Durant would move up the top 20 list but still won't crack the top 10. CP3 can take his place as one of the top guards of all time but nothing else outside of that. If the Lakers win we will never hear the end of it for the rest of the summer lol especially with the GOAT talk pertaining to Lebron.

[SpurPadre]

I don't hate the Suns. Granted I'm not a fan of CP3 or Durant but them winning a championship won't alter their legacies by much. Durant would move up the top 20 list but still won't crack the top 10. CP3 can take his place as one of the top guards of all time but nothing else outside of that. If the Lakers win we will never hear the end of it for the rest of the summer lol especially with the GOAT talk pertaining to Lebron.

I just hope Denver pulls it off and then the Celtics take the ship.

[tmtcsc]

Fuck Lonnie Walker. He was a head case here & I'm sure he's one there. He was a wasted draft pick by the Spurs & what he did for the Lakers tonight cost them 6.5 Million dollars. He's not winning shit in LA because that soft ass-team will be bounced in the next round IF they even make it that far. The series isn't over & I don't expect Walker to a damn thing going forward except shit the bed or be a no-show. Just seeing that dude, hearing LaMarcus Aldridge's name or a reference to Dejounte Murray or that loser Derozan, triggers me. What a crap fest the Spurs were with those clowns, Derrick White, Brynn Forbes, etc.. Just garbage.

I don't care how many games the Spurs lost last season, it was all fine with me as long as those dudes didn't find their way back on the roster. Good riddance and no regrets. This team has a brighter future without any of them.

[daslicer]

I just hope Denver pulls it off and then the Celtics take the ship.

I would like to see Denver win it all. Jokic is my favorite non-Spur player in the league. They are also the only small market team left remaining so it would be great to see a small market win it all.

[daslicer]

Fuck Lonnie Walker. He was a head case here & I'm sure he's one there. He was a wasted draft pick by the Spurs & what he did for the Lakers tonight cost them 6.5 Million dollars. He's not winning shit in LA because that soft ass-team will be bounced in the next round IF they even make it that far. The series isn't over & I don't expect Walker to a damn thing going forward except shit the bed or be a no-show. Just seeing that dude, hearing LaMarcus Aldridge's name or a reference to Dejounte Murray or that loser Derozan, triggers me. What a crap fest the Spurs were with those clowns, Derrick White, Brynn Forbes, etc.. Just garbage.

I don't care how many games the Spurs lost last season, it was all fine with me as long as those dudes didn't find their way back on the roster. Good riddance and no regrets. This team has a brighter future without any of them.

I wanted to break up the team in the summer of '19. I wasn't convinced Demar and LMA were the way to go long term and it was just hard to watch the product that was out of the floor knowing it was perpetual mediocrity that wasn't even exciting to watch. I was very happy when Demar was let go a few years back.

[InRareForm]

Lonnie 1 year $8.5 million dollar contract , 27 points past two playoff games.

Jordan Poole 4 year $128 mil 5 points in past 2 playoff games

[Slippy]

He's the same player he was before. He had scoring bursts, like the one against Houston. Here, he's and playing off the gravity LeBron and Davis. There's a reason he wasn't getting time late in the season.

Ya that reason was he got injured. Then lost his spot in the rotation when he got back a few week's later. Then lebron got Dlo traded into the team so Lonnies mins got furher reduced.

More to with bad luck than what you're trying to suggest

Hes come up big the last 2 games .

[Spursfanfromafar]

Lonnie wasn't any headcase or anything like that. He was an inefficient player who wasn't good enough to take on the load as one of the lead options. With the Lakers, he has found a better spot as a role player who gives good minutes and takes shots in crucial moments (which he did for the Spurs in some games too, remember the Rockets game way back?). The Spurs did the right thing in drafting all these good role players - Lonnie, Kyle Anderson, White (the best of them), Murray (who blossomed into an All Star) and traded for players like Poeltl, Rudy Gay etc who had good things going for them. They just didn't get to play with the likes of Anthony Davis or LeBron James as their teammates. Which is why we had to let go of all these players for draft picks in the hope of getting transcendental talent and we have a 14% chance of getting one and we will come to know how good that is on May 16. Fingers crossed.

[Arcadian]

it's amazing how many former spurs players continue to shine with other teams in the playoffs hahaha. This is NOT a good look for popovich. But yall already know this and refuse to admit it.

Could it be that most players improve with experience, so naturally they look better after accumulating some experience under their belt?

I'm not a Popsucker, but just throwing it out there :lol

[FutureMan]

it's amazing how many former spurs players continue to shine with other teams in the playoffs hahaha. This is NOT a good look for popovich. But yall already know this and refuse to admit it.

Lonnie Walker wasn’t around during a Spurs playoff season besides his rookie year when he scored a grand total of 45 points. Branham may pass Walker as a superior player next year but I’ll bite. Let’s see your list of players that are better.

[Rocalcio]

I feel dirty AF rooting for LeBron and the Lakers but fuck the Dubs.

Same for me, I just can't stand Curry, Green and Thompson's arrogance.

[niraj2000]

Same for me, I just can't stand Curry, Green and Thompson's arrogance.

Look at Lonnie's last game which was 2022 Playin against the Pelicans,

https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401428073

12 pts 5-9, 2-4 on threes 0 turnovers in just 17 minutes

Now compare with our stars, Keldon and Dejounte,

Keldon 15 pts, 6-20, 0-5 threes in 40 minutes
Dejounte 16 pts, 5-19, 1-5 threes in 34 minutes

I thought Pop was hiding Lonnie to re sign him at a lower salary this year. Was surprised to not see him re signed. Pop might have handed Lebron his 5th ring to tie with Tim.

[RC_Drunkford]

welp.

he has one of those games once per year tbh. Nothing to go crazy about

[lefty20]

Lonnie seems like a really good dude. It's hard not to be happy for him rn.

If he can, somehow, finally find a way to do this consistently then even better. He'll get the bag come offseason.

I've got no regrets about him leaving. He had the green light last year and failed to show enough to warrant an extension.

[timtonymanu]

I feel dirty AF rooting for LeBron and the Lakers but fuck the Dubs.

The LeBron Lakers are a lot more tolerable. I hated the soft ass AD comparisons to Duncan but otherwise Davis is harmless. Can’t really say I hate anyone on the Lakers that I did on the same level like Derek Fisher.

[CGD]

Well Lonnie secured himself his next contract with that game. Was in doubt before that.

[Big Empty]

Im happy for Lonnie, he was a good dude just too inconsistent. I hope this is finally is breakout year and he’s helped secure Duncan’s 5 titles vs Currys 4 at the moment. We all know LeBron isnt getting #5 this year either

[BillMc]

he has one of those games once per year tbh. Nothing to go crazy about

This.

[John B]

Congratulations Lonnie. He’s a good kid. I’m happy for him. Hopefully he earned his next contract with last night performance.

[LkrFan]

Lonnie 1 year $8.5 million dollar contract , 27 points past two playoff games.

Jordan Poole 4 year $128 mil 5 points in past 2 playoff games
Beginning of the year: Lonnie was our 3rd fiddle (seriously). He got hurt, then The trade! happened.

He had multiple DNP-CDs after that. Had to be hard on him to finally get healthy, only to not play. He's still a young dude. But to his credit he kept working.

Last night speaks to his character. He was ready when Darvin called his number. Last 2 games, the Lakers needed him when the offense bogged down.

I'm happy for him for real. And to see the entire Lakers team genuinely happy for him knowing what he's gone thru put a smile on my face.

I was fired up watching him splash jumpers in Curry face to clench a 3-1 series lead. :lol

[daslicer]

Beginning of the year: Lonnie was our 3rd fiddle (seriously). He got hurt, then The trade! happened.

He had multiple DNP-CDs after that. Had to be hard on him to finally get healthy, only to not play. He's still a young dude. But to his credit he kept working.

Last night speaks to his character. He was ready when Darvin called his number. Last 2 games, the Lakers needed him when the offense bogged down.

I'm happy for him for real. And to see the entire Lakers team genuinely happy for him knowing what he's gone thru put a smile on my face.

I was fired up watching him splash jumpers in Curry face to clench a 3-1 series lead. :lol

I was genuinely happy for him last night. I was rooting for him to come through was glad he could have that moment last night.

[TheChillFactor]

Lonnie wasn't any headcase or anything like that. He was an inefficient player who wasn't good enough to take on the load as one of the lead options. With the Lakers, he has found a better spot as a role player who gives good minutes and takes shots in crucial moments (which he did for the Spurs in some games too, remember the Rockets game way back?). The Spurs did the right thing in drafting all these good role players - Lonnie, Kyle Anderson, White (the best of them), Murray (who blossomed into an All Star) and traded for players like Poeltl, Rudy Gay etc who had good things going for them. They just didn't get to play with the likes of Anthony Davis or LeBron James as their teammates. Which is why we had to let go of all these players for draft picks in the hope of getting transcendental talent and we have a 14% chance of getting one and we will come to know how good that is on May 16. Fingers crossed.

this is the most rational thing I have ever read on this board, agree completely

[exstatic]

Beginning of the year: Lonnie was our 3rd fiddle (seriously). He got hurt, then The trade! happened.

He had multiple DNP-CDs after that. Had to be hard on him to finally get healthy, only to not play. He's still a young dude. But to his credit he kept working.

Last night speaks to his character. He was ready when Darvin called his number. Last 2 games, the Lakers needed him when the offense bogged down.

I'm happy for him for real. And to see the entire Lakers team genuinely happy for him knowing what he's gone thru put a smile on my face.

I was fired up watching him splash jumpers in Curry face to clench a 3-1 series lead. :lol

He'll be one of the most frustrating players you ever watched in a Lakers uni. Good kid, but wildly inconsistent. If we were to come in here and bump this every time he went 2-11 or 3-15, we'd be bumping this a lot more than you do. I miss the kid, but I don't miss the player at all.

[Mr. Body]

Good for him getting that next contract. He's in a good spot, simply having to score and play passable defense next to the second best player ever and a really good PF (when he wants to be) in Davis. He also wouldn't be having this chance if D'Angelo Russell was any good.

But he does seem to have a clutch gene, which is impressive. Even good players don't have that.

[JPB]

it's amazing how many former spurs players continue to shine with other teams in the playoffs hahaha. This is NOT a good look for popovich. But yall already know this and refuse to admit it.

Only a non spurs or totally clueless fan can say such a nonsensical thing. Feel free first to list the many former players shone with other teams in the PO who were'nt already good with the spurs (eventually thanks to Pop). Secondly, Walker was totally out of the rotation for most of the PO and just had a couple good games in part cos opponent didn't gameplan against him... Put any NBA player around Lebron and DA in a PO game in the 4th and they'll have their chance...Now let's watch what he'll do the rest of PO...

And how deluded to believe Pop looks bad anywhere else than in his obsessed, haters eyes. Eveybody in the NBA knows and praise Pop's greatness.

[LkrFan]

probably your best shooting guard since jerry west tbh
:lol

[LkrFan]

I have such a love/hate with your avi.

You are such a bastard.

:rollin :lmao :rollin

[ginobilized]

Happy for him!
It's gotta feel good to have LeBron believing in you and giving you a huge shout out. Being ready is a huge part of the job, and it's a hard thing to do.

Lakers are in a good spot in this round.

[LkrFan]

Really good role player that has young, spry, fresh legs that the Dubs were not ready for. Dubs expended a lot of energy combating the Lakers size. I think they were gassed by the 2nd half last night.

If given the chance, I'd give him 4yrs/$28M - then kick Beasley to the curb.

I see some of the frustration with his play that you guys have identified. But I also see some upside.

On the Lakers, he will not be a star (much like Rui and D'Lo), but we don't need him to be. I've seen nights whereas our role players had really good impact. One night it was Rui, another was Austin Reaves, and last night was LV4.

I'm just happy to finally have serviceable depth, by finally trading away Westbrick has done wonders for my sanity tbh :lol

[absoloot66]

I'm happy for him for real. And to see the entire Lakers team genuinely happy for him knowing what he's gone thru put a smile on my face.



This right here - loved it! From the superstars to the bench guys in street clothes, they all gave him extended props.

[dbestpro]

Only a non spurs or totally clueless fan can say such a nonsensical thing. Feel free first to list the many former players shone with other teams in the PO who were'nt already good with the spurs (eventually thanks to Pop). Secondly, Walker was totally out of the rotation for most of the PO and just had a couple good games in part cos opponent didn't gameplan against him... Put any NBA player around Lebron and DA in a PO game in the 4th and they'll have their chance...Now let's watch what he'll do the rest of PO...

And how deluded to believe Pop looks bad anywhere else than in his obsessed, haters eyes. Eveybody in the NBA knows and praise Pop's greatness.

Pop road coattails.

[The Truth #6]

I'm basically happy for Lonnie though if I remember he said some stupid things about the Spurs after he left. I'm so sick of the Warriors that I'm ok with Lonnie and Lakers winning. But it's not like he turned a corner, or if he did then it took the risk of playing in China to wake him up. I'm glad he'll probably get a contract again because of this but I would definitely pump the brakes on this being more than a random great moment.

[Seventyniner]

I'm just happy to finally have serviceable depth, by finally trading away Westbrick has done wonders for my sanity tbh :lol

The Laker hater in me was pretty sad the day y'all finally got rid of him, though him going to the Clips was a nice consolation prize.

[spursparker9]

Lonnie was supposed to be the savior after Nephew was traded to Toronto...

Remembered he did had a legendary game against Houston which he was unguardable

[Leetonidas]

Good for Lonnie. Forbes also had a game in 2021 playoffs where he shit on the Heat. Still wouldn't want either of them on this team tbh

[Sugus]

it's amazing how many former spurs players continue to shine with other teams in the playoffs hahaha. This is NOT a good look for popovich. But yall already know this and refuse to admit it.

:lol How is Lonnie making key contributions to his Lakers team to win a playoff series, after being drafted & developed by the Spurs, supposed to be a "bad look" for Pop?

Pop let Lonnie go and chase his next contract in a big market, and it's gonna pay off for him after performances like yesterday's. You think Lonnie's gonna talk bad about Pop for that?

[exstatic]

it's amazing how many former spurs players continue to shine with other teams in the playoffs hahaha. This is NOT a good look for popovich. But yall already know this and refuse to admit it.

OMG, the #18 pick didn't work out!

2019 Goga Bitadze, KK Mega Leks (Serbia) – Indiana Pacers
2018 Lonnie Walker, University of Miami – San Antonio Spurs
2017 T.J. Leaf, UCLA – Indiana Pacers
2016 Henry Ellenson, Marquette – Detroit Pistons
2015 Sam Dekker, Wisconsin – Houston Rockets
2014 Tyler Ennis, Syracuse – Phoenix Suns
2013 Shane Larkin, Miami – Atlanta Hawks
2012 Terrence Jones, Kentucky – Houston Rockets
2011 Chris Singleton, Florida State – Washington Wizards
2010 Eric Bledsoe, Kentucky – OKC Thunder

[rjv]

pop haters crawling out from their holes now that lonnie demonstrates that once in a blue moon brilliance and act as if this is enough proof to support the claim that he's yet one more spur that is playing much better now that he's somewhere else. where were these posters last week or during the season when lonnie was being the same lonnie he was when he was in a spurs uniform?

[poopbox]

:lol How is Lonnie making key contributions to his Lakers team to win a playoff series, after being drafted & developed by the Spurs, supposed to be a "bad look" for Pop?

Pop let Lonnie go and chase his next contract in a big market, and it's gonna pay off for him after performances like yesterday's. You think Lonnie's gonna talk bad about Pop for that?

Lonnie signed with the Lakers 5 seconds into free agency but you seem to think he would be single pops praises :lol

[exstatic]

Lonnie signed with the Lakers 5 seconds into free agency but you seem to think he would be single pops praises :lol

The Spurs, and it's not the first time, retracted a QO when the player got a good/fair deal. That player legit should be happy with the Spurs. They didn't have to do that, and in fact, could have matched and shopped him for second rounders like they did Forbes.

[Ice009]

I'm basically happy for Lonnie though if I remember he said some stupid things about the Spurs after he left. I'm so sick of the Warriors that I'm ok with Lonnie and Lakers winning. But it's not like he turned a corner, or if he did then it took the risk of playing in China to wake him up. I'm glad he'll probably get a contract again because of this but I would definitely pump the brakes on this being more than a random great moment.

What kind of stuff did he say when he left?

[LkrFan]

The Laker hater in me was pretty sad the day y'all finally got rid of him, though him going to the Clips was a nice consolation prize.

This says a lot :lol

[The Truth #6]

What kind of stuff did he say when he left?

I think this was it:

https://www.basketballnetwork.net/latest-news/lonnie-walker-iv-appears-to-throw-shade-at-gregg-popovich-while-praising-darvin-ham

[spurs1990]

:lol How is Lonnie making key contributions to his Lakers team to win a playoff series, after being drafted & developed by the Spurs, supposed to be a "bad look" for Pop?

Pop let Lonnie go and chase his next contract in a big market, and it's gonna pay off for him after performances like yesterday's. You think Lonnie's gonna talk bad about Pop for that?

Anyone who was posting on ST in 2019-2020 probably posted at least once how coach unfairly took away PT from Walker, whilst letting Forbes and Belinelli run amok with crappy play time and again.

Just by random example - Walker got barely any PT the game after his breakout vs Houston in Dec '19. I'd dig for more background but memories of the crap trio of Forbes/Marco/DeRozan would make me ill.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Nice to see Lonnie Rocket show up. Truth, is that he can do this once in a while, which is what you hope a bench role player can do. Being consistent is what's cost him playing time on the Lakers. This attention he's getting for this 1 game, though, probably saved his career.

[tmtcsc]

There's the Lonnie we all came to know and despise . Big game followed by 4 points in 28 minutes. Good luck with that going forward. Pop grew tired of not knowing what to expect from the kid.

[RC_Drunkford]

4 points in 28 minutes on 33% shooting. That's the Lonnie I know

[daslicer]

There's the Lonnie we all came to know and despise . Big game followed by 4 points in 28 minutes. Good luck with that going forward. Pop grew tired of not knowing what to expect from the kid.

Agreed he showed the type of inconsistency that frustrated Spurs fans for years in this game.

[exstatic]

Really good role player that has young, spry, fresh legs that the Dubs were not ready for. Dubs expended a lot of energy combating the Lakers size. I think they were gassed by the 2nd half last night.

If given the chance, I'd give him 4yrs/$28M - then kick Beasley to the curb.

I see some of the frustration with his play that you guys have identified. But I also see some upside.

On the Lakers, he will not be a star (much like Rui and D'Lo), but we don't need him to be. I've seen nights whereas our role players had really good impact. One night it was Rui, another was Austin Reaves, and last night was LV4.

I'm just happy to finally have serviceable depth, by finally trading away Westbrick has done wonders for my sanity tbh :lol

Still think this after game 5?

[Maddog]

I think this was it:

https://www.basketballnetwork.net/latest-news/lonnie-walker-iv-appears-to-throw-shade-at-gregg-popovich-while-praising-darvin-ham

Yeah let him play through his mistakes till he didn't
It would be interesting to graph the number of the rank (1/rank) of this thread over time and with a separate line showing Lonnie's points over time.
Probably long near parallel flat lines with intermittent by periodic spikes.

Probably could do this with a lot of other former Spurs

[Mr. Body]

The Lakers have a really good opportunity to blow this series.

[exstatic]

The Lakers have a really good opportunity to blow this series.

All Kerr has to do is to keep AD out on the perimeter defending the pick and roll. Whoever he’s guarding, have them set a pick for Klay or Steph.

[Mr. Body]

All Kerr has to do is to keep AD out on the perimeter defending the pick and roll. Whoever he’s guarding, have them set a pick for Klay or Steph.

It'll help them. On the other side, if Davis continues his passive self, they could lose. Also determined by how much the ump team will let Green get away with. Davis is so soft he can get out of his game.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

It'll help them. On the other side, if Davis continues his passive self, they could lose. Also determined by how much the ump team will let Green get away with. Davis is so soft he can get out of his game.

I kind of want to see the Lakers play Denver just to watch the Joker sh!t all over AD.

[LkrFan]

Still think this after game 5?

Yep - role players don't show up on the road. He (should) be better tomorrow. :tu

[SpurSpike]

"To Lonnie, keep building! All love! Will never forgive you for Game 4 ...!," Curry writes.

https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/steph-curry-gifts-lonnie-walker-iv-signed-jersey-hilarious-message

[spurs10]

"To Lonnie, keep building! All love! Will never forgive you for Game 4 ...!," Curry writes.

https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/steph-curry-gifts-lonnie-walker-iv-signed-jersey-hilarious-message
This is great!

[Ocotillo]

It would appear Lonnie came back to earth as he so often did here. Not gloating because I really wanted him to grow into our starting 2 guard but sadly, more of the same.

[rjv]

in the end, lonnie was lonnie, it the lakers find themselves trying to make salary cap space by getting reading of any unnecessary ballast, lonnie may not be a laker next year. it's the same reason he's not a spur anymore; he's a capable player but he's also expendable.

[Extra Stout]

Journeyman gonna journey

[exstatic]

in the end, lonnie was lonnie, it the lakers find themselves trying to make salary cap space by getting reading of any unnecessary ballast, lonnie may not be a laker next year. it's the same reason he's not a spur anymore; he's a capable player but he's also expendable.

If by capable you mean replacement level, then, sure.

[John B]

I doubt Lakers will resign him. He is very streaky and I mean he fizzles after a good night. He got a helluva skills and athleticism, but his bball IQ is not so high, hence he’s not able to string several good games together. He does not read plays very well and relies solely on his skills. Sad. He’s a good kid. He could be playing in China soon.

[rjv]

If by capable you mean replacement level, then, sure.

capable of giving a team some meaningful minutes from time to time. of course, most spurs fans know that he'll never do that consistently.

[Mr. Body]

I could see them resigning him. They need guys to eat up minutes.

[RC_Drunkford]

Kid will be a journeyman 3rd stringer for the rest of his career until he’s out of the league, which will probably happen before he reaches 30

[K...]

Kid will be a journeyman 3rd stringer for the rest of his career until he’s out of the league, which will probably happen before he reaches 30

better than league average, and miles better than a pick at his range.

[Maddog]

better than league average, and miles better than a pick at his range.

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/18th-overall-draft-picks-nba

Some real home runs there at 18