Walton sidelined two weeks

Luke Walton saw foot specialist Ken Jung today and learned he has something called sesamoiditis, which is more commonly seen in long-distance runners and dancers. In layman's terms, he is experiencing pain in the ball of his right foot.

Walton will be sidelined for at least two weeks and will wear a protective boot. He was cleared to begin rehab exercises in a pool today.

"It stinks that I've got to be out for a while, but it's nothing too serious," said Walton, who moved into the starting lineup Dec. 10 after playing infrequently in the season's first 20 games. "They gave me some strong meds. There's nothing you can really do besides stay off of it, which is the reason I'm in the boot."

Lakers coach Phil Jackson declined to name a starter to replace Walton for Tuesday's game against the New Orleans Hornets. Trevor Ariza replaced Walton in Sunday's victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Expect him to start again.