<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Luke Walton, who disappeared from the Lakers' equation when Phil Jackson left and reemerged when Jackson returned, signed a two-year contract Monday to return to the team. Walton's agent, Lon Babby, had announced Walton would return to the team in mid-July. Prized by Jackson for his passing, the second-round draft choice averaged 10 minutes a game as a rookie. However, Walton was slowed by injuries at the start of last season and lost playing time as the new coach, Rudy Tomjanovich, used players such as Jumaine Jones ahead of him. "We're happy to have Luke back," General Manager Mitch Kupchak said. "We know last year was somewhat of a lost year for him. He got hurt in training camp, fell out of the rotation and never got back in. "But we do know he's a good system player who flourished to some extent his first year with Phil, and we hope he will again." The Lakers met with free-agent guard Derek Anderson on Sunday night and worked him out Monday morning, but took no immediate action.</div> Source
Personally I prefer Jumaine Jones over Luke Walton, but it can't do any harm to re-sign Luke again. I can't really say much on Luke because I haven't really seen him play good or bad. Everytime I've seen him play, he's plays like an average player and doesn't really get noticed. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Lakers met with free-agent guard Derek Anderson on Sunday night and worked him out Monday morning, but took no immediate action.</div> We're not in a rush it seems. Derek couldn't have done too well if we aren't looking to snap him up straight away.
I don't like bringing Luke Walton back. He has not improved his game since he's been a rookie. He still cannot shoot consistently, he's a poor defender, and he doesn't make the most out of his opportunities. I'd rather the Lakers spend the money on a more athletic player who can play defense. Someone like Quentin Ross or Maurice Evans would have made my day.
Walton appeared to be a favorite of Phil Jackson's. He's smart, tall and can pass and shoot...he'll be one of the most reliable and steady Lakers if he stays healthy, and its not like they opened the bank for him...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Shooter:</div><div class="quote_post">Walton appeared to be a favorite of Phil Jackson's. He's smart, tall and can pass and shoot...he'll be one of the most reliable and steady Lakers if he stays healthy, and its not like they opened the bank for him...</div> Actually he cannot shoot at all. He has no touch or rotation on his shot, it's 'flat.' On offense he's actually a liability because his defender doesn't have to guard Luke tightly and can roam around the court double teaming other players. On defense he's too, slow to guard most wing players or guards, and not strong enough to guard power forwards. So the Lakers just signed a player who is a liability on offense and defense.
I guess Phil Jackson has seen something in Luke Walton in the training room that hasn't been seen on the court yet. I think its best to wait and see if Luke Walton does produce anything. They wouldn't give him a contract if they didn't think he would contribute. Or would they?
I think he's a pretty well rounded player, he needs more time on the floor though, I still remember during the finals last year when him and Shaq were tearing the Pistons up on the floor for awhile..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Actually he cannot shoot at all. He has no touch or rotation on his shot, it's 'flat.' On offense he's actually a liability because his defender doesn't have to guard Luke tightly and can roam around the court double teaming other players. On defense he's too, slow to guard most wing players or guards, and not strong enough to guard power forwards. So the Lakers just signed a player who is a liability on offense and defense.</div> Defensively he isn't good because he is a tweener, but on offense, he can burn you with his pin point passing. He can also be a help on the glass because he's got a big frame. When he started this season for a few games, I believe he averaged around 5-6 RPG. He's a well rounded offensive player, but he won't get much burn anyway. Probably 15 MPG, 20 at the most.
If the Lakers could transplant Walton's brain into George's body they would have the perfect role player.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">If the Lakers could transplant Walton's brain into George's body they would have the perfect role player.</div> LOL. That's a good one, but I'd have to say Milt Palacio + Chris Dudley = Superstar.
Well you can't really use last year as an example for Luke Walton's performance. The coaching was so screwed up last year that everyone did terrible. Now that Phil is back, everyone, including Luke Walton, can start on the right foot. Don't worry about Luke, Phil will work him to death until he gets it right.
Bobcats- That was absolutely the smartest thing I have EVER heard on this site! I've been preachin to my friends for years how Chris Dudley was the heart and sole of the blazers. (I know I'm completely off topic but roll with me) You've got to notice since C-Dud retired the blazers have gone down hill. So- back to Walton- Your right he's not gonna get a lot of PT but he's a d*mn good passer so I think he's worth it.
