After only playing 29 games during the 2009-10 season due to recurring back problems, Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton told Lakers reporter Mike Trudell that although his back feels stronger, he still has doubts. Walton spent a majority of this summer rehabilitating and strengthening his back.
“My back feels great right now. It’s a lot stronger. I’m feeling confident in it and am excited to test it out,” Walton told Trudell. “That being said, at the same time I’m a little nervous, just because I know how much of a grind the season and training camp can be. I dedicated the whole summer to making it strong enough to last, and that’s what I’m hoping for.”
The offseason acquisition of Matt Barnes provided insurance at the backup forward spot, especially since Walton’s prognosis for the 2010-11 season was questionable. Even if Walton returns healthy and primed for the new season, his playing time may be drastically reduced with the addition of Barnes.
In the 29 games he played this past season, Walton averaged 2.4 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in 9.4 minutes. He averaged 1.1 points per game in 6 minutes during the 2010 playoffs.
Lakers training camp will begin on Saturday, September 25 at the team’s El Segundo facility.
Comments
i like luke but once the back goes its too hard to deal with the grind of 82 games and playoffs.
either way he has a future in coaching.
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