Lakers’ Walton unable to play again

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Luke Walton watched the Lakers play two games on the road, Tuesday night in Houston and Wednesday night in San Antonio. He knew the Lakers were off Thursday before they played Friday night against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center.

Walton had been out seven games with a sore right foot, but he had been getting better. He figured the Lakers would practice Thursday, which would then give Walton and Lakers Coach Phil Jackson an indication of how healthy he was and if he could play Friday night.

‘I was excited. I went to bed early Wednesday night. I called the next morning and asked what time practice was. I was like, ‘What do you mean there’s no practice?’ ‘’

Walton laughed.

Yep, the Lakers called off practice.

He knew that meant Jackson wouldn’t let him play unless Walton practiced first. He participated in Friday’s shoot-around but will not play against the Magic.

After Friday night’s game, the Lakers don’t play again until Monday, meaning they will practice at least one of those two days off, if not both.

At that time, Walton will practice in hopes that he can play Monday night.

-- Broderick Turner