Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Scores 15 points in fourth quarter
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Walker finished with 15 points (6-9 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, two assists and two steals across 27 minutes during Monday's 104-101 victory over the Warriors in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
All 15 of Walker's points came in the fourth quarter, as he continued to hit one clutch basket after another, including two free throws with 20 seconds left to give the Lakers a three-point lead. After not playing in the first game of the series, Walker has averaged 12.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.0 assists in 21.0 minutes over the past three matchups.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Plays entire fourth quarter
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Walker closed with nine points (4-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt), one assist and one steal across 12 minutes during Thursday's 127-100 loss to the Warriors in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
With the Lakers down by 30 after three periods, head coach Darvin Ham opted to rest his starters and played his bench the entire fourth quarter. Walker wasn't shy and got off as many shots as he could during the final frame, but barring injuries or another blowout, Walker isn't expected to be part of Los Angeles' regular playoff rotation.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Muted role continues Sunday
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Walker had five points (2-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist across four minutes during Sunday's 134-109 win over the Rockets.
Walker logged just four minutes in the win, continuing what has been a lean couple of months. After starting out the season playing a key role for the Lakers, Walker has basically fallen out of the rotation. With their key players healthy, as well as a few savvy additions at the trade deadline, Walker has tumbled down the pecking order. There is no reason to look at him outside of the deepest leagues.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Re-emerges with 20 points
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Walker registered 20 points (7-12 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 2-4 FT), four rebounds and three steals across 24 minutes during Friday's 116-111 victory over the Thunder.
Prior to Friday, Walker had been out of the rotation with three straight DNPs, but he was called upon against OKC in a critical contest for the Lakers' playoff aspirations. Walker responded with his best game of the month, finishing third on the team in scoring and leading Los Angeles with four makes from three-point range. Given recent trends, it's hard to know if this contest was an aberration, but Walker at least proved that he can still be an offensive factor if given the opportunity.
Walker ended with 21 points (7-15 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one block in 23 minutes during Tuesday's 121-109 loss to the Grizzlies.
Walker had almost completely fallen out of the rotation coming into Tuesday, averaging only 5.7 minutes over his previous three games. He was called upon for offense off the bench against Memphis, however, and responded with his highest scoring output since mid-December. Walker wasn't shy about shooting the ball in the loss, putting up 15 field-goal attempts -- including 10 triples -- in just 23 minutes. He was a key part of the team's offense early in the campaign but fell off due to a lengthy injury absence and Los Angeles' flurry of mid-season acquisitions. With LeBron James (foot) expected to miss multiple weeks, it's possible Walker can ride his strong effort Tuesday to a reentry into the team's game plan.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Plays three minutes in win
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Walker closed with four points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt) and one block in three minutes during Wednesday's 120-102 win over the Pelicans.
After playing at least 15 minutes in each of his last nine appearances, Walker's playing time decreased significantly in Wednesday's comfortable victory as the Lakers continue to incorporate their acquisitions from the trade deadline. The 24-year-old should continue to have chances to contribute when the Lakers deal with injuries, but his fantasy upside is limited when the team is healthy.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Available Monday
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Walker (knee) is available for Monday's contest against the Nets, Chris Milholen of NetsDaily.com reports.
Walker will officially make his second straight appearance after missing 14 consecutive games due to a knee injury. The athletic guard is averaging 14.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 29.2 minutes over his first 33 appearances this season.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Should play Monday
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Walker (knee) is probable for Monday's game against the Nets, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Walker returned from a month-long absence Saturday and had 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 18 minutes against the Celtics, and he's expected to be available again Monday. The 24-year-old came off the bench Saturday and could continue to do so for the near future as he gets his legs back following the lengthy absence.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Offers efficient scoring in return
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Walker (knee) finished with 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 18 minutes off the bench in Saturday's 125-121 overtime loss to the Celtics.
Making his return from a month-long absence due to left knee tendinitis, Walker came off the bench for the first time in his 33 appearances on the season for the Lakers. Having Walker play off the second unit might have just been a measure for head coach Darvin Ham to better manage the 24-year-old's minutes coming back from injury, but Walker won't be guaranteed to see a major spike in playing time even if he replaces Troy Brown or Dennis Schroder in the starting five at some point in the near future. While both LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy and available and while Russell Westbrook is handling a high-usage role on the second unit, it will be tough to rely on any members of the Lakers' supporting cast for consistent production, at least on the offensive end.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Will play Saturday
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Walker (knee) will be available off the bench for Saturday's game against the Celtics, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
Walker will return from a month-long absence with tendinitis in his left knee but will be limited to 20-25 minutes Saturday. Fantasy managers should approach Walker with caution, considering he may have to shake off some rust on top of being under restrictions. Regardless, his return may take minutes away from Max Christie and Troy Brown.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Limited Saturday if cleared to play
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Walker will test his knee out in pregame warmups ahead of Saturday's game against the Celtics but suggested he will be limited to 20-25 minutes if cleared to suit up, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Walker hasn't played in a game since Dec. 28, so it's hardly a surprise that he will be limited if given the green light to take the floor. Walker has started all 32 of his appearances this season, so it's unclear if his limited role and extended absence will mean he first appears off the bench, but that should all settle ahead of the 8:30 PM ET opening tipoff.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Questionable at Boston
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Walker (knee) is questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Celtics, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
Saturday marks the second consecutive game Walker has been labeled questionable, so he's nearing a return from a 14-game absence. Once cleared, he'll presumably be on a minutes limit. In 29.8 minutes per game this season, Walker is averaging 14.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Ruled out Wednesday
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Walker (knee) will not play in Wednesday's game against San Antonio, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Walker was upgraded to questionable ahead of Wednesday's tilt but will ultimately miss a 14th straight contest with a left knee injury. His questionable status is certainly an encouraging sign for fantasy managers, as it indicates Walker is approaching a return to the hardwood. His next opportunity to do so will come Saturday in Boston.
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Lakers' Lonnie Walker: Chance to play Wednesday
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Walker (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
Walker hasn't played since Dec. 28 due to left knee tendinitis, but he's listed as questionable for the first time since Jan. 3, which suggests he's on track to return soon even if he remains sidelined Wednesday. Before his injury, the fifth-year guard was playing well to start his Lakers tenure, posting 14.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 29.8 minutes across 32 appearances (all starts). The Lakers recently traded for Rui Hachimura and are expected to get Anthony Davis (foot) back Wednesday, but when he returns to full strength, Walker figures to reprise his role in Los Angeles' starting five.
Walker (knee) won't play Tuesday against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Walker hasn't seen the floor since Dec. 28 due to a knee injury, and he's not yet ready to make a return. His next opportunity to play will arrive Wednesday against the Spurs.
