O.C. Register: Without any clocks inside the gym, it was easy for Luke Walton to lose track of time. An hour, then another slipped by without him knowing.
The Lakers forward was captivated by the sloppy pick-up game he watched while running on a weight-resistant treadmill. If only he could play a pick-up game, he thought.
If only Walton could be out on the court, running plays and making baskets. If only he could dish off to Andrew Bynum like he used to and watch wide-eyed as the Lakers center slammed the ball in. If only he could run without worry on his surgically repaired right ankle.
Walton expects to get medical clearance Wednesday from the doctor, giving him the go-ahead to begin more rigorous workouts. He ran Tuesday on a wind-bubble treadmill that reduces body weight on joints, the first time he has tested his ankle since having surgery less than two months ago.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed and if I get it (clearance), I’m going to start pushing it as hard as I can,” he said.
Walton had surgery July 18 to remove bone spurs and scar tissue, as well as clean up cartilage debris from his right ankle, which had bothered him toward the end of last season.
He said Tuesday that he wants to be ready to go when training camp opens Sept. 30. Whether his ankle is ready is another matter.
“Right now, it’s pretty weak. I do exercises right now and my whole right leg is shaking,” Walton said. “And that’s a light warm-up exercise.
Recent Comments