Lonnie Walker Embraces the Passionate Atmosphere of Greek Basketball Fans

Lonnie Walker IV has had an interesting career in basketball. He spent six years in the NBA, playing for the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets. Now, he’s on a new adventure with Zalgiris Kaunas, a team in the Lithuanian EuroLeague.

This season, Walker is averaging 14 points per game. Recently, his team faced Panathinaikos Athens in Greece. Even though they lost 89-76, Walker found the experience unforgettable. He shared his thoughts on the atmosphere, saying, “Greece is definitely…one of my more favorable away games. The environment, how hostile it is, how engaged the fans are, one of one for sure. I loved the tenacity and how everyone was going, so it was definitely one to remember.”

Despite the tough crowd in Athens, Walker stood out by leading his team with 19 points and grabbing four rebounds. However, he also had some struggles, finishing the game with five turnovers. This high-energy match featured familiar faces on the opposing team, including NBA veterans like Kendrick Nunn and Cedi Osman. Nunn had an impressive game, scoring 26 points and recording five assists.

Rick Pitino, a two-time National Championship coach, also admired the fans at OAKA, the home stadium of Panathinaikos. He praised the atmosphere, calling it “by far the best of any place, any arena, in any league.” He recommended it as a must-visit for anyone going to Athens.

At just 26 years old, Walker was a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Over his NBA career, he averaged about 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. While he’s enjoying his time in Europe, there are still possibilities for him to return to the NBA. His contract includes a buyout option for NBA teams by February 18, 2025, for a total of $450,000. So, who knows what the future holds for Lonnie Walker IV?

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