EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Lakers are happy to have additional depth at small forward, signing free agent Matt Barnes to a two-year contract Thursday. Unfortunately, the arrival of Barnes in Los Angeles only highlights serious questions surrounding the health of Luke Walton heading into next season.
Walton was limited to a career-low 29 games during the 2009-10 regular season because of back problems debilitating enough to require surgery. General manager Mitch Kupchak said Friday that Walton will work through the summer to rehabilitate and build strength in his back but acknowledged the prospect of future surgery still exists, and even that Walton could miss the 2010-11 season.
"Absolutely. It's a possibility," Kupchak said. "It's not your run of the mill type back problem. We don't know where it's going to end up. He's a gamer and he loves to play. He wants to be a part of the team, and he'll do whatever it takes to get back on the court. That's a positive, to have the kind of player that's motivated to get well. That's not always the case."
By Brian Kamenetzky ESPNLosAngeles.com
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Not exactly sure what type of back injury this is but it sounds very serious. Luke has his faults on the court, like always trying to make the assist thus making himself easier to read from a defensive standpoint but he is a heady and underappreciated asset to the team. With that said , he is overpayed and it sounds like the Lakers want to urge him into retirement or not playing(insurance?) for mostly financial reasons ( I'm sure they dont want to see him wreck himself for life either).
Good thing they picked up Barnes last Thursday and I wouldn't be surprised if Ebanks gets signed for a little more depth at the position even though it's not needed with Kobe or Lamar being able to slide to the SF role. I think they would be crazy not to sign him since he should have gone in the 1st round and now comes with the budget 2nd round draft pick price. It's looking pretty likely for Caracter as well since he has also been a summer league standout and while short at 6'9 shows to have some good offensive game and a nose for the boards.
I'm amazed to see that a draft pick actually has the chance to make the team this season, let alone two draft picks. I don't think they can afford not to keep these kids and gain some extra youth to an aging team.
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