The choice Lonnie Walker made to join the Boston Celtics has stirred up excitement in the NBA community, particularly among Los Angeles Lakers supporters. As they strive to replicate their championship triumph from last season, the Celtics are bolstering their team with this new arrival, further fueling their heated rivalry. Numerous Lakers supporters have responded passionately, showing astonishment and frustration over the departure of a player they greatly respected.
A heartbreaking defeat for supporters of the Lakers
Walker, a guard aged 25 who was part of the Brooklyn Nets before, has made a significant impact during his time with the Lakers. His ability to perform well under pressure, particularly in crucial moments, made Lakers fans love him. The same feeling was shared by Lakers insider Anthony F. Irwin, who did not hold back in his disappointment with Walker’s recent agreement with the Celtics. Irwin tweeted that seeing him in that uniform would make him physically sick, expressing the feelings of many Lakers fans.
Irwin’s tweet gained rapid popularity, with fans showing a combination of surprise and sorrow. Walker’s exit, recognized for his crucial plays and rapport with supporters, has created a challenging gap to fill. The frustration increases because Walker will now be playing for the Celtics, a team that has always been a strong rival of the Lakers.
The Celtics’ Tactical Decision
The Boston Celtics see signing Walker as a strategic move to improve their reserve players. As per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Walker has agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with Boston. This agreement allows the Celtics to retain Walker’s rights should he be released post-training camp, giving them flexibility. If that were to occur, Walker could continue to participate in games with the Celtics’ G League team, keeping him connected to the organization.
The decision is logical for the Celtics, as they aim to enhance their roster with consistent three-point shooting. Walker’s ability to shoot 35.6% from three-point range during his career makes him a valuable asset in today’s NBA, which focuses on perimeter shooting. Even if he doesn’t start games, his talent to score when coming off the bench could be extremely important throughout the long 82-game season.
Mixed Reactions From the Lakers Community
Lakers fans have responded predominantly with criticism, however, a few have chosen to be more contemplative. A fan, who was still shocked by the news, expressed their dismay by saying, “Oh no, not Lonnie, I’m going to hate seeing him in green,” along with a crying emoji. This response highlights the strong emotional bond that fans had with Walker while he was in Los Angeles. His unexpected heroics during the 2022-23 Lakers season further established him as a beloved fan favorite.
Trevor Lane from Lakers Nation also added his thoughts, prompting fans to remember one of Walker’s standout moments. Do you recall when Lonnie defeated the Warriors? Lane posted on Twitter, mentioning Walker’s impressive playoff performance against the Golden State Warriors. Lakers fans still vividly remember Walker’s crucial 15-point fourth-quarter performance that helped the team secure an important victory. Walker’s career reached a critical point when he made the difficult decision to join a competing team, intensifying his emotions.
Seeing him in that uniform is going to make me physically ill. https://t.co/OUJtBT43sT
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) August 29, 2024
Boston’s Path to a Repeat Championship
As Lakers supporters come to terms with Walker’s departure, Celtics enthusiasts are understandably enthusiastic about the potential influence he could have on their team. Nevertheless, some doubt that the Celtics will easily win another championship. A retired Division 1 athlete and college basketball fan doubts Boston’s chances, sarcastically posting on Twitter, “The Celtics are all set to win again! Just need Embid, Giannis, Dame, Butler, and the entire Knicks team to get hurt again.”
This analysis emphasizes the obstacles that the Celtics will encounter as they strive for another championship. Although injuries to important players on opposing teams helped Boston succeed last year, retaining the championship title will involve defeating strong and uninjured competitors.
Brad Stevens’ Magic Touch
Even though there are varied responses, Celtics fans remain hopeful as they have faith in team president Brad Stevens’ vision. Noa Dalzell, a senior writer for SB Nation covering the WNBA, expressed this feeling accurately: “The Celtics’ amazing summer carries on. Here we are, with Lonnie Walker IV unexpectedly snagging the 15th roster spot. Likely the most captivating available player in the market. Brad Stevens!”
Stevens is known for his strategic decisions, and his choice to include Walker is another example of this. Although it is not yet clear how Walker will be integrated into the Celtics’ rotation, his arrival will likely bring a fresh element to the team’s lineup.
What Does the Future Hold for Lonnie Walker?
As the dust clears from this unexpected decision, uncertainties linger about Lonnie Walker’s future. Can he excel in Boston and play a crucial role in leading the Celtics to another championship? Or will he have difficulty fitting in with the team’s experienced players? Only the future can reveal, however, it is definite that Walker’s move from Los Angeles to Boston has sparked a renewed rivalry in the NBA, and supporters from both teams will be eagerly observing to witness the outcome.