Since Luke Walton became a free agent at the end of the 2012/13 season, the only reports we’ve heard on the veteran forward have suggested that the Cavs were unlikely to bring him back. However, despite not drawing much NBA interest, Walton hasn’t given up on continuing his playing career, as he tells Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com.
“I want to play still,” Walton said. “I’ve trained all summer as if I was going to get a call. The call never came, so, I’m going to keep working out …. If nothing happens this year, then I’ll probably admit that it’s officially over.”
Walton is currently working with Time Warner Cable SportsNet as an on-air analyst for Lakers broadcasts, and is also in talks with the team’s D-League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, about a player development role that would allow him to work out with the club.
The ex-Laker is still just 33 years old, and had a decent bounceback season last year with the Cavs — his 11.3 PER was close to his career mark of 11.7. If he’s healthy and in shape, he could still make a decent bench piece for an NBA team, perhaps later in the season for a club dealing with injuries. For now though, he’s enjoying his TV work.
“I’m doing this because I think it’s going to be fun,” Walton said of his role at TWC SportsNet. “Obviously I love the Lakers organization and it’s a way to stay involved and stay in the game of basketball while I continue to work out, in case I don’t get a call, I’m not just sitting around every day.”