Lonnie Walker IV finally got some significant minutes on Game 3 of the Lakers’ second-round series against the Warriors and he gave the team a lift, Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times notes.
Walker played 25 minutes in Game 3 after logging just 28 in the previous eight games combined. His 12 points were five fewer than he contributed in the previous five postseason contests. Walker, an unrestricted free agent after the season, stayed razor sharp despite those limited minutes.
“I’m in love with this game. I’m obsessed with this game and most importantly I’m only 24 so what’s yet to become always keeps me optimistic in life,” he told Turner. “So, day to day, giving it the best I can and understanding once my time is called, once my number is called, just being ready. Can’t make no excuses. At the end of the day, no one is going to feel bad for you. So, you got to go out there and play.”
We have more on the Lakers:
- Anthony Davis (right foot stress injury) and LeBron James (right foot soreness) are listed as probable for Game 4, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times tweets. Mohamed Bamba (left ankle soreness) has the questionable tag.
- The Lakers’ defense was dominant on Saturday, a major turnaround after Golden State’s Game 2 win. Jovan Buha of The Athletic breaks down the Lakers’ defensive strategy for the game, as coach Darvin Ham notes that the playoffs require continued focus. “I think once you get to a certain point within a series, then there’s no more fooling anyone,” Ham said. “It’s just who does what they do the best. … The more you get deeper into a playoff series headed towards seven games, it’s just the more disciplined you have to be with the little things, the intangibles.”
- Free throw shooting has helped the Lakers neutralize the Warriors’ perimeter game, Law Murray of The Athletic writes. The Lakers outscored the Warriors 28-12 from the free throw line in Game 3 after the teams each made 10 free throws in Game 2. The Lakers won Game 1 in large part due to a 25-5 advantage in made free throws.
Ah yes, “free throws” aka cheating.
Stop crying. If the warriors drove to the basket more they would get more fouls.
They’d be called for an offensive foul. The sport is rigged. Lakers all the way thanks to the non-commissioner and the referees.
Warriors fans are as bad as Kyrie and his flat earth…
Seriously. Love Steph Curry, like most of the Warriors players, really respect the organization. But the fans are… When you’re seriously competing with Celtics fans for the “worst fans in the NBA”, you have a problem.
Warriors fans? I take exception to these remarks, and challenge anyone at any time to find an inaccurate or poor take on this website written by me or several other true Warriors fans.
Seriously some who ruin it for the others.., as in society as a whole. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
Gary you are a level headed fan and I have always seen unbiased and solid takes from you. Sorry your fan base is dragging you into this, it happens to the best of us.
When you take a group of people with one common thread and label them a certain way especially in a negative way, that is a very poor judgment call.
I for one would appreciate the word “some” included in a few of these type of posts. But, obviously I also respect anyone’s opinion who would include me in the some. Opinions are welcome and encouraged. But to say “all Warriors fans” are such and such? I beg to differ.
Unfortunately there is a big old turd in the warrior fan punch bowl and that commenter makes sure no one wants to drink that drink.
As a warriors fan, Gary, you need to be empowered to speak up and against this moron who ruins the site and experience for everyone. (And routinely violates the terms of service)
It’s true, there are good warriors fans out there. But there are also some lousy human beings.
I’m w lil D top 3 here
You the man Gary but there’s some trolls in your village that give your coat of arms a tarnished look
Gotta set them straight Gary
Curry8Rings quit whining. Horrible look. Crying about the refs is like crying about injuries. May the best team win. End of story.
It’s time for you to take some time and learn the game. Then come back and comment constantly.
Russell 31 mins, 4 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast …….
and they still won.
What happened to Poole ?? seriously I didn’t watch, zero pts
Just goes to show how much Dlo will get paid in the offseason…
Lonnie Walker makes DLo expendable, with what the two of them will be looking to get paid
D’Angelo Russell is a talented scorer and last night’s performance is maybe an indication of having a cold night or perhaps Gary Payton did a nice job defensively slowing him down.
Jordan Poole on the other hand could also be a result of a big slump or maybe the Lakers are taking him out of his game with great coaching and defense and adjustments? Perhaps as the Kings did? He dfinitely needs to bounce back and we need it right now.
Gman, DLo is absolutely talented (offensively). Saw itvup close and personal his few months with the Buckeyes. Walker, while playing himself into a raise, still won’t be seeking DLo money. For what both will ask for, imo, will make DLo expendable, if Walker is solid the rest of the playoffs – however many games that is.
No birds w Walker birds on Dlo
What do now?
It’s not over but…
Lakers looking real good right now. Championship contenders for sure and it looks like the coaching is there as well to guide them in adjustments and game planning in general. I seriously don’t think the nuggets will get in the way. Bring on the Celtics and do one more series in one of the great rivalries in all of sports.