Walker Hopes for Return to Court Tonight

Samaki Walker has convinced his coach.

Now if he can only do the same with the medical staff.

Walker, who missed the last 12 games because of a hyperextended elbow, is hoping to play tonight against the Clippers.

“I’m pushing for it,” Laker Coach Phil Jackson said of his power forward, “but I don’t know if the medical community will go along. I think he is capable of putting himself in a position where he will not be in jeopardy.”

Trainer Gary Vitti predicted a decision on Walker for tonight “will go right down to the wire.”

If Walker doesn’t make it back on the floor tonight, it seems likely he will do so Sunday night against the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center.

Robert Horry, who became a starter when Walker got hurt, has averaged 11 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.07 steals in that role.

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The Clippers signed guard Doug Overton to a second 10-day contract and are expected to sign forward Tremaine Fowlkes today for the rest of the season. Fowlkes’ second 10-day contract ran out Thursday.

The two have become valuable members of the team, which has won seven of eight games despite having forwards Corey Maggette and Lamar Odom and guard Keyon Dooling sidelined by injuries.

Overton has averaged 3.4 points as a backup to point guard Jeff McInnis. Fowlkes has become the starting small forward, averaging 5.2 points.

“He has played with passion and energy when he’s been out there,” Coach Alvin Gentry said of Overton. “He’s shown he’s got three-point range. He’s also a good defender. He does a good job of running the club when he’s been out there.”

Of Fowlkes, Gentry said, “Obviously, he’s played well for us. Be it directly related to him or not, we’ve been 6-1 with him in our lineup.”

Despite the injuries, or perhaps because of them, Gentry said he’s been pleased by the togetherness the Clippers have displayed during their hot streak.

He believes Overton and Fowlkes have had a hand in the team’s strong play.

“I’m a little bit amazed, a little bit surprised we’ve been able to be as cohesive as we have been,” Gentry said. “But I’m not surprised we’re winning. We believe in these guys. We think we’ll have a chance to win if we go out and execute.”

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There was no update Thursday on Odom, whose sprained right wrist was expected to be examined by a specialist this week. If his wrist does not show significant improvement, it’s possible Odom would need season-ending surgery. He has been on the injured list since Jan. 24.

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TONIGHT

Lakers vs. Clippers, 7:30 p.m.

Fox Sports Net West

Site--Staples Center

Radio--KLAC (570), KSPN (1110).

Records--Lakers 45-18, Clippers 34-31.

Record vs. Clippers--2-1.

Update--If the Clippers win tonight, it would give them a split in their season series with the Lakers, ending a four-year run of Laker domination. The Lakers have won 17 of the last 19 between the two teams.