Advertisement

Walton probably out another week

Share
Times Staff Writer

Forward Luke Walton will see a foot specialist Monday in Los Angeles and probably won’t play again until after the All-Star break.

Walton has sat out eight games because of a sprained right ankle that hasn’t improved, prompting Coach Phil Jackson to say it would be “very likely” Walton sat out until after next weekend.

“Things have not gone rapidly for him at all,” Jackson said.

The Lakers had hoped Walton would be out only a week or two after he landed on the foot of Andrew Bynum in the Lakers’ 106-97 loss to Charlotte on Jan. 26.

Advertisement

“It got a little better, but then it kind of plateaued,” Walton said. “This is more precautionary than anything else.”

Walton, who is averaging 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists, will see Kenneth Jung of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.

*

Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom typically start games, and then Jackson rests Bryant, leaving Odom with four reserves.

That might change, given Odom’s recent struggles.

“I’ve been leaving Lamar out there, but I think I’m going to stop that, just let [the reserves] go really on their own,” Jackson said. “They play really well, move the ball well, and I’ve saddled them with Lamar. It’s been unfortunate he’s not been the one carrying the load with that group.”

Odom has shot only 39.7% and is averaging 3.1 turnovers in nine games since returning from a sprained knee. He has been bothered by knee tendinitis, Jackson said.

*

Vladimir Radmanovic has slipped, again, scoring two points in 32 minutes over the last two games. He has made one of seven shots and taken four rebounds.

Advertisement

“I’m not happy about the way Vlade’s been playing the last two games,” Jackson said. “The last two games have not been the way we want to see him play.”

*

The Lakers are 3-4 on their current trip and unable to hit the 6-2 mark outlined by Jackson beforehand.

They would be in a little better shape, Jackson suggested, if Bryant hadn’t been suspended for the Jan. 30 game against New York. The Lakers lost that game, 99-94, and started their trip 0-1.

“With the hand the league dealt us, that changed kind of the situation going on this road trip,” Jackson said. “It changed our chances of really having a successful road trip.”

*

TODAY

at Cleveland, 12:30 PST, Ch. 7

Site -- Quicken Loans Arena.

Radio -- 570; 1330.

Records -- Lakers 30-21; Cavaliers 29-21.

Record vs. Cavaliers (2005-06) -- 1-1.

Update -- Cleveland forward LeBron James averaged 17.7 points, almost nine under his average, over a four-game stretch before he scored 29 in a convincing 103-79 victory Friday over Miami. The Lakers play the Cavaliers again Thursday at Staples Center before the All-Star break begins.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com

Advertisement
Advertisement