Agent says Walton will return to Lakers, Luke Walton, By Ross Siler, LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS 
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LONG BEACH, Calif. - Luke Walton's agent said Walton will sign a two-year contract with the Lakers when the league's free agent moratorium period ends July 22. 
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Walton, a second-round pick from the UA in 2003, was a restricted free agent. 
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"There was good interest in him," agent Lon Babby said. "But he decided it made the most sense to stay in L.A. He liked the idea of playing for Phil (Jackson) again and had a terrific rookie year. He loves L.A. and loves the Lakers." 
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After spraining an ankle during preseason, Walton struggled to find a place in Rudy Tomjanovich's rotation, but he is held in high regard by Jackson, particularly for his passing skills. The Lakers decided they wanted Walton, 25, even with four small forwards already under contract for next season. 
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"Obviously, he was concerned," Babby said. "He had a good conversation with Phil before he made his decision. He's confident he'll have a significant and meaningful role on the team." 
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In his first two years with the Lakers, Walton shared a locker room with four likely future Hall of Famers as a rookie, then watched as a championship dynasty splintered later that summer. 
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He played for Jackson in the NBA Finals, then played very little for Tomjanovich during a 34-48 season.