Lonnie Walker makes Lakers history in Game 4 win over Warriors

In one of the most shocking plot twists of the 2023 NBA Playoffs to this point, Lonnie Walker IV etched his name into the history books alongside some of the greatest Los Angeles Lakers of all time. 

This came in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals to extend the Lakers' series lead over the Golden State Warriors to 3-1.

Walker scored 15 points in the game, all of which came in the fourth quarter. That final aspect of Walker's impressive night places him with an elite group of Lakers who have achieved the feat of scoring 15 or more points in the 4th quarter in a playoff game since 1997, per CBS Sports.

This list includes the likes of Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, LeBron James, and Pau Gasol. Walker's performance was instrumental in securing the Lakers' victory over the Warriors, a win that shifted the momentum fully in favor of the Lakers.

Walker's exceptional performance was highlighted by his ability to create shots for himself and his teammates, as well as his relentless energy on both ends of the court. 

He showcased his diverse offensive skillset by scoring in a variety of ways and did so just two games removed from barely seeing the floor at all.

After averaging four minutes per game in the Lakers' opening-round series with the Memphis Grizzlies, Walker has averaged 21 minutes and 12 points per game while shooting 60.9% from the field in three games against the Warriors. 

After playing 12 minutes in Game 2, his strong play has been rewarded with 24 minutes in Game 3 and 27 in the Lakers' 104-101 victory in Game 3.

Walker's play has proven to be more than deserving of extended playing time, and it's unlikely to change for the remainder of this series with the Warriors. 

If the Lakers advance to the Western Conference Finals, the argument for the 24-year-old to keep a consistent spot in the rotation is stronger than ever, and Walker is quietly looking like an integral piece of the Lakers' very legitimate chance at making a run to another title.