Former Laker Luke Walton still wants to play

Luke Walton made a brief stop in Los Angeles recently, visiting the Clippers with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.

Walton was traded to the Cavaliers for Ramon Sessions last year after 8 1/2 seasons with the Lakers.

So far this year, through three appearances, Walton is averaging just 0.7 points per game on 14.3% shooting.

In the final year of his contract, Walton said after the game that he’ll play “as long as my back will let me. If I’m feeling good, I want to play.�

He often struggled with a bad back as a Laker, contemplating retirement until it finally healed.

During the lockout-shortened season, Walton worked as an assistant coach for the Memphis Tigers.

“I loved it,� said Walton.

If this ends up his final season in the NBA, it won’t be long until he ends up on a bench somewhere coaching (in the pros or college ranks).

The Cavaliers are currently 2-3 this season. They don’t visit the Lakers until January 13, although the two teams will meet in Cleveland on December 11.

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You can email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.