The team has a logjam of talent at small forward and Jackson is still trying to define the forward's role.
Once, Luke Walton was the starting small forward for the Lakers, seemingly putting him on the path to success.
He was awarded a six-year, $30-million contract during the summer of 2007 after having a career year during the 2006-07 season in which he started 60 games, and all five of the Lakers' playoff games. But now Walton is in a struggle to find minutes because of the log jam of talent at his position. And it hasn't helped that Walton fell behind in training camp while recovering from ankle surgery.
He was awarded a six-year, $30-million contract during the summer of 2007 after having a career year during the 2006-07 season in which he started 60 games, and all five of the Lakers' playoff games. But now Walton is in a struggle to find minutes because of the log jam of talent at his position. And it hasn't helped that Walton fell behind in training camp while recovering from ankle surgery.
"My job is to go out and play. His job is to determine who plays where, when and how much," Walton said of Lakers Coach Phil Jackson. "That's out of my control." When Walton was a starter during the 2006-07 season, he averaged career highs in points (11.4), rebounds (5.0), assists (4.3) and minutes (33.0).
Last season he played in 74 games, but only 31 as a starter.
Walton's role this season has yet to be determined.
"I really don't know," Jackson said today after practice. That's because Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, Vladimir Radmanovic and even Kobe Bryant all will spend time at the small forward position.
Walton's role this season has yet to be determined.
"I really don't know," Jackson said today after practice. That's because Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, Vladimir Radmanovic and even Kobe Bryant all will spend time at the small forward position.
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