Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV explained how he used his hair as "a cloaking device." Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Spurs' Lonnie Walker IV reveals he was sexually abused as a child

San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV didn't always live an easy life, and his signature hairstyle reflected that. However, he cut more than several inches off his hair recently in order to free himself from painful memories of the past.

The 21-year-old Walker revealed Thursday on Instagram that he began growing out his hair in middle school after being sexually abused as a child.

The video accompanying the Instagram post shows Walker covering his face as a barber cuts his hair and Walker narrating his hair history with corresponding images.

Walker's latest haircut features a hook partially shaved into his hairline and a cross shaved into the back.

The Spurs' 2018 first-round selection averaged 5.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game before the season was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic, and he now says COVID-19 has taken a toll on him mentally and wanted to share his story.

The NBA recently put more focus on mental health initiatives in response to Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan sharing their struggles, so Walker will be in good hands moving forward.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Mystik Dan comes up short at Preakness, denied shot at Triple Crown
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant
Chiefs move on from young running back
20-year MLB veteran working out, unsure about playing future