Walker Says He Wants to Return

Samaki Walker, who signed a contract at less than his market value last summer to play for the Lakers and Coach Phil Jackson, said he intends to return next season.

Walker’s contract is for $1.4 million this season and $1.54 million, at his option, next season. He could become a free agent, but said that was remote.

“My main concern is to be a champion,” he said. “The only way I’m not here next year is if Phil decides not to be here. He’s been the best guy for my career. The confidence he’s had in me, it’s confidence I didn’t always have in myself.

“This has been a rebirth. It’s like my basketball life started all over. It’s all about learning. I always knew I had potential and now I have a coach who understands that.”

Jackson appears set on serving the entirety of his Laker contract, which contains two more seasons after this one, at least. He might resign earlier if his troublesome hips and back worsen, but he is healthy now.

Having left San Antonio--at the Spurs’ option--with a reputation for being soft and playing below his potential, Walker has improved steadily in his half-season with the Lakers.

He averaged 25.3 minutes, 7.2 points and seven rebounds through 43 games.

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Shaquille O’Neal, the Western Conference’s leading All-Star vote-getter but playing on a very sore big toe, is not yet ready to commit to the game. The Lakers play twice--at Dallas on Sunday and against Chicago on Wednesday--before the All-Star game in Philadelphia.

“If I can’t do it, I won’t,” he said. “Fine money won’t make me change my decision. Fine money, to me, is tax. I’m not worried about what the system says.”

Jackson said recently he thinks O’Neal should attend the game and play a few minutes.

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Phil Jackson’s 700th coaching victory came in his 946th game, the fastest ever to 700, according to Laker officials.

“A very elite number,” Jackson said. “It was probably more important that I passed Red Holzman last week. That was symbolic for me.”

Jackson played for Holzman as a New York Knick.

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Tim Brown