Luke Wants to Come Back at 100% Will Starting Position still be available?

North Country Times: Coach Phil Jackson and the triangle offense were back in town after a year off. Walton was feeling good about the direction of the team. And the L.A. Times reported that Jackson was considering the former University High star for a starting role.

Things couldn’t have been going much better. But late in the fourth quarter of a 101-93 exhibition victory, Walton felt something out of the ordinary as he was cutting to the basket.

“I was scared,” Walton said. “I definitely felt a pop. I hadn’t experienced anything like that before.”

Now, instead of competing for a starting job for the Lakers —- who host the Charlotte Bobcats tonight at the ipayOne Center —- Walton is relegated to the bench and limited duty.

He is expected to be sidelined until mid-November, meaning another preseason is lost to injury. Last year, Walton sprained his ankle and missed a majority of camp.

“It’s very tough,” Walton said. “I’ve been waiting all summer to get back on the court and play in the triangle offense. I was very excited. Training camp was going well, and the team chemistry is moving along. But I’m keeping my spirits up, and, hopefully, I can step in and help the club.”

Walton’s also hopeful that the 2004-05 season doesn’t repeat itself. After spraining his ankle, Walton had a tough time integrating himself into the Lakers’ lineup and did not play 21 games.

In the 61 games he did play, Walton averaged 3.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

With Jackson back on the sidelines, however, a turnaround seemed imminent. Walton was confident he would find playing time, even if he wasn’t sure where it was going to be.

For the time being, Walton is restricted to lifting weights. He just began leg exercises.

And he is promising not to rush back too quickly —- even though he is champing at the bit to get on the court.

“It feels a lot better now than it did,” he said. “But we’re going to make it a conservative time frame. I don’t want to reaggravate it and have it bother me throughout the season. I’m going to wait until I’m 100 percent.”

Looks like Luke has started working out that leg and is slated to return mid-November. What do you guys think about his return timetable? Do you think he should rush back or take it easy? Sound off in our CL.com Gameday Discussion!