LOS ANGELES — Vladimir Radmanovic trudged to the bench after picking up two early fouls Sunday afternoon. Luke Walton peeled off his sweats and entered the game.
Many times during the regular season that was a sign of impending trouble for the Los Angeles Lakers. Walton was injured and ineffective for most of the season.
His ankle slowed him. So did his hamstring. So did his hip. He lost his job as a starter and his minutes dwindled.
Walton looked like a different player against the Nuggets, however.
He filled a void created by Radmanovic’s absence, scoring 16 points on 6-for-8 shooting in 27 minutes in Game 1 against Denver. He also had five assists and four rebounds, giving the Lakers’ second unit a boost on a day when it was short-handed.
After all, backup center Ronny Turiaf played only three minutes and scored only two points because of an unspecified illness.
“Ronny was not healthy, he was diseased,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said.
Walton stepped up when called upon, scoring on layups and spinning moves close to the basket, plus jump shots from the perimeter.
“I feel great,” he said. “It’s all about moving forward. Whether you’ve had a great past or a terrible past, it’s all about what’s coming up. That’s what I’m focused on.”
Walton had a difficult time coming up with a reason for his fine play.
“I don’t know,” he said before listing a few possibilities. “The intensity. The excitement of the playoffs. Playing with guys who can hit you when you’re open. Having an opportunity to make plays.”
Radmanovic finished with eight points and six assists in 20 minutes.
