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Walker has found happiness in L.A.

By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Samaki Walker is expected to compete with Robert Horry for the starting power forward spot. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser Lakers-Warriors WHEN: 6 p.m. today WHERE: Stan Sheriff Center TICKETS: $10, $20, $28, $50, $65. Information: 956-4484 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

After humiliating the San Antonio Spurs in a four-game sweep in last season's Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers tweaked the rival's nose in the offseason by snatching their backup power forward, Samaki Walker.

And — Sunday's unsightly exhibition loss to Golden State notwithstanding — Walker couldn't be happier.

"Let me tell you, the grass is definitely greener on the inside," Walker said.

Walker signed with the Lakers in July, ending a disappointing two-year tour with the Spurs. With Shaquille O'Neal sitting out after toe surgery, Walker has been playing most of his practice minutes at center. However, Walker is expected to compete with Robert Horry for L.A.'s starting forward spot vacated by Horace Grant, who signed with Orlando.

In Walker, drafted ninth overall by Dallas in 1996, the Lakers have a young power player with impressive overall skills. Though he stands just 6-foot-9, Walker has extraordinarily long arms and good timing, which allows him to guard taller opponents in the post. In practices at Stan Sheriff Center last week, Walker also showed some smooth offensive moves and good range on his shot.

"I've been shooting the ball pretty well this summer," Walker said. "I can say that I've always had a nice little touch. In San Antonio I never shot the ball much in the game because I didn't play much. Out here, I'm getting a chance to show it."

The Spurs signed Walker in 1999 as a backup for Tim Duncan and David Robinson. But Walker's minutes were inconsistent and he wound up averaging just 5.3 points a game in two seasons. He averaged 1.2 points and played a total of 76 minutes in 12 playoff games last year.

"It was frustrating because it was a misleading type of act there where I thought I was going to get in and play a lot more than I did," Walker said. "Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way. But God bless it. It put me in a position to play with the defending champions.

"From coach to the staff to the owner, I can see why this organization is the winning organization it is," he said. "It's laid back, but they're all about business. All that matters here is winning and being professional."

Like the Lakers' other off-season acquisitions, Walker is struggling to learn the team's complex offensive scheme. Against the Warriors on Sunday, he scored five points on 1-for-5 shooting and turned the ball over four times.

"I think at times he tried to do too much," said Lakers assistant coach Jim Cleamons, who is running the team with fellow assistant Frank Hamblen while head coach Phil Jackson is away on personal leave. "He looked rather nervous and just didn't have a good sense of rhythm for our offense. He'll get better."

Cleamons said part of the problem was that Walker spent the first week at camp playing center. He started Sunday's game at power forward. Still, Walker said he relishes the challenge.

"I think power forward is going to be more difficult to learn as a position, but we're just starting," Walker said. "If I learn two positions, it'll give coach more opportunities to do what he wants on the court as far as matching lineups. At the same time, it'll allow me to get more minutes on the court."

Transition point: Larry Hughes has seen the point, and it is him.

The Golden State Warriors are hoping the fourth-year guard can kickstart the team's fast-break offense with a transition from shooting guard to point guard this season.

Hughes, who jumped to the NBA after a year at St. Louis, played two years in Philadelphia before being traded to the Warriors during the 1999-2000 season.

Always an explosive scorer, Hughes has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season but missed 32 games due to various injuries. His shot selection — or lack thereof — is reflected in a .396 career field goal percentage.

"I'm coming in like my role is to get everybody involved first," he said. "I know that at any time I can do what I need to do. If need be, I still know how to score, how to get to the basket and draw fouls."

Hughes said the transition will also allow him to play at his more natural weight.

"I did a lot of lifting to get to 195 last year and it may have affected my camp," he said. "My muscles just kind of broke down. Now I can be 180 or 185 and still be productive."

Warriors head coach Dave Cowens said Hughes won't have to be a "pure" point guard.

"He'll be just another guard," Cowens said. "He'll handle the ball a little more but both (guards) are expected to be able to play both positions and be able to set up the offense."

Nice job, rookie: Count Cleamons among those mightily impressed by Warriors' rookie Jason Richardson.

The high-flying Richardson burned the Lakers for 12 points, six rebounds and four assists on Sunday.

"He's a heck on an athlete," Cleamons said. "He'll make the outside jump shot, go strong to the hoop. He's going to have a fine career."