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.

ALSO:Lakers Coach Mike Brown eyes an unorthodox rotation

Lakers lose fourth of the season, 95-86 to Jazz

Kobe Bryant knew James Harden was a problem

You can email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.