Luke Walton

Luke Walton is a small forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is the son of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member Bill Walton. He is widely regarded as an excellent passer, and a skilled ball handler especially for his size, (6'8"). He has developed into an excellent role player, especially productive in the Triangle Offense employed by the Lakers and coach Phil Jackson.

In December of 2008, 35-year-old Stacy Elizabeth Beshear pleaded no contest to stalking Walton. Beshear was sentenced to three years probation and must stay away from Walton's home and Lakers games and practices.SI.com: Woman Pleads No Contest to Stalking Lakers Forward Walton

Luke Theodore Walton was born in San Diego, California, on March 28, 1980. He would attend the University of San Diego High School, where he would develop his basketball skills and then move on to the University of Arizona where he would become a starter under Lute Olson on the Arizona Wildcats basketball team .

Walton would be selected in the 2003 NBA draft with the 32nd pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. He would be a nice fit in the passing heavy triangle offense utilized by coach Phil Jackson. But in 2004, under new coach Rudy Tomjanovich he would be unable to crack the rotation. He has since flourished again with the return of Phil Jackson but has battled injuries. In 2007. he would re-sign with the Lakers and is currently a vital piece in the Lakers rotation, and the 2008 playoff run.

• March 28, 1980: Born
• 2003: Debuts with Los Angeles Lakers
• 2007: Re-Signs with Los Angeles Lakers

• Mahalo's Guide to the Los Angeles Lakers
• Basketball-Reference.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6-8
  • Weight: 235
  • Rookie Year: 2003