LOS ANGELES >> In theory, the Lakers value veteran reserve point guard Jose Calderon for his experience and ability to play in spot minutes.
In reality, Lakers coach Luke Walton has not found many instances recently to grant Calderon that playing time. After nursing a strained right hamstring that sidelined him for 10 games, Calderon returned to the active roster only to have four healthy scratches entering Sunday’s game against Toronto at Staples Center.
Calderon has averaged 4.7 points on 48.1 percent shooting and 2.6 assists in 13.9 minutes through 14 games. Despite calling Calderon “ready,” Walton said he has found it “tricky” to integrate the 32-year-old veteran into the lineup for a few reasons.