The Los Angeles Lakers were in desperate need of a win on Sunday night. The LeBron James-less side delivered just that against Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets, marking just their third victory in 13 games.

Lonnie Walker had another noteworthy performance for the Lakers, scoring 25 points on a very efficient 9-of-15 shooting, to go along with four 3-pointers in 30 minutes of action. After the game, the 23-year-old spoke out on his mindset entering the ballgame (h/t Alex Kirschenbaum of FanNation):

“Every time I touch the ball, I'm looking to be aggressive,” Walker said of his approach to the game. “It's just time and place, understanding… [what makes] a good-to-great shot. So I'm just getting what the team gives me. If I'm open I take it. We kept running the pick and roll with AD. When you got someone with that level of talent, buckets come real easy because they're worried about AD more than anyone else. So I've just got to be ready to knock down shots.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakers set first Cooper Flagg, Mavericks matchup in Las VegasMalik Brown ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers Luka Doncic’s sends ‘speed’ message that will scare rest of NBANathan Yasis ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after his team scored against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
LeBron James’ former teammate provides eye-opening take on GOAT debateAlex House ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James doesn’t hold back on clout-chasing trainersRichard Pereira ·

At this point, it's safe to say that Walker has adjusted well to life under coach Darvin Ham. In 11 games played thus far, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard is averaging a career-best 16.5 points on 47.2 percent shooting. He's also draining 1.8 triples per game on a 35.-7-percent clip, while also adding 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 31.1 minutes per contest. Walker has started in all 11 of his appearances, and it seems like he's going to be a permanent fixture in the starting 5 moving forward.

Walker signed a one-year deal with the Lakers last summer worth $6.5 million. He's having a breakout year right now, which might actually work against the Lakers after this season. If he keeps playing at this rate, Walker will command a much higher salary for next season, and with their salary cap restrictions, LA might just get priced out of a potential Lonnie Walker extension.