EL SEGUNDO – The chatter grew louder as the Lakers’ frontcourt players fought in the paint.
Lakers forwards Thomas Robinson and Tarik Black tried scoring without success. Lakers forward Julius Randle charged inside before his defender drew a charge. Finally, Randle scored on the next possession.
These Lakers weren’t holding their own against a physical defender during Wednesday’s practice. Instead, they matched up against a retired NBA player who is now their coach.
“I thought I did pretty well,” Luke Walton said, smiling. “But I stopped and couldn’t breathe anymore.”
Black insisted he took it easy on the 36-year-old Walton, who has not played in the NBA since the 2012-13 season.