A Lexus has replaced the vintage convertible Cadillac as Luke Walton's first transportation option, but Walton dismissed the appearance he had gone corporate.
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First off, he said, the windshield wipers don't work on the Cadillac, something of a problem even in Southern California. Second, there are climate-control issues.
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"The heater and AC," he said, "is either roof-up or roof-down."
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One option the Lexus lacks: The "Nate Walton for Governor" bumper sticker.
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On Sunday morning, Walton peeled back the top and drove the Caddy in from his Manhattan Beach apartment, content in a rookie season that has brought unexpected minutes and opportunity.
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For a coach who views rookies as valets at best and nuisances at worst, Walton has averaged nearly 11 minutes a game, the bulk of them in the fourth quarter.
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Jackson likes Walton's pass-first sensibilities and his on-floor relationship with Shaquille O'Neal, who moves with purpose with Walton around.
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Walton said he expected to spend the season at the end of the bench, learning the game and the lifestyle while Malone, Horace Grant and Slava Medvedenko did all of the playing.
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"It's a lot more than I expected at the beginning of the year," Walton said. "[But] I can't wait for Karl to get back. I love watching him play."
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