Luke Walton is Awful.

I'm watching the Suns spank the Lakers right now and I couldn't help but write about how overrated Luke Walton is.

Walton was injured for awhile and announcers and Lakers' personnel kept saying that they were "eagerly awaiting" his return to the starting lineup. Why? I'm pretty sure the Lakers stormed to the top of the Western Conference in Walton's absence. Coincidence? Maybe. But there's no doubt that Trevor Ariza -- Walton's temporary replacement -- is a far superior player.

Kobe and Phil Jackson are always raving about Walton. As a matter of fact, prior to tonight's game, they both said that Walton has to play a primary role in Andrew Bynum's absence. I can't understand the obsession...

(Whoops. Vujacic just cut it to 10 with more than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth. So much for the blowout.)

Let's review. Walton loves to post up against other small forwards, but his post game is average at best. He doesn't elevate on his turnaround or face-up jumper and his mid-range shots are often tipped or blocked.

He's far from an exceptional athlete and he's a highly overrated perimeter shooter. He had an impressive stretch from the three-point line during the first half of the 06-07 season, and that's it.

He's a decent defender and a flashy passer, but has a strong propensity for the turnover -- especially considering his position.

Ariza is quicker, more athletic, longer, a better defender, slasher and finisher. The funny part is that he's a smarter player than Walton. Funny because Walton is sometimes referred to as a "heady" player. In actuality, he forces the action way too often. When Ariza was in the starting lineup he stayed within himself and took quality shots. He's also a better shooter than people think.

In other news, Kwame Brown is almost as bad as Walton. With Bynum out almost two months, the Lakers desperately need Chris Mihm to return. Mihm is notably agile for his size and provides good length and finishing ability. Brown's a pretty decent defender, but he can't put the ball in the hoop.

If the Lakers can get healthy in Bynum's absence (Mihm, Radmanovic both out tonight) they should be able to stay in the top four in the West. The lineup should be Fisher, Kobe, Ariza, Odom and Mihm, but Phil is stubborn. He really believes in Walton and Kwame -- the "Zenmaster" boggles my mind sometimes.

There's really no need for Walton at all. Radmanovic serves more of a purpose as a backup small forward because he can get unconscious from three. If he's having one of his "space cadet" nights, the Lakers can move Kobe to the 3 if Ariza's off the court. I have no problem with Fisher, Vujacic/Farmar, Kobe, Odom, Mihm/Turiaf. Turiaf's an undersized big man, but he's clearly a hardworker and better offensive player than Kwame.

I'm a closet Lakers fan. My favorite teams are really the Knicks and Nets, but some players (like Walton) just frustrate the hell outta me. Zach Randolph and Jason Collins round out the "players I can't stand" list.

More the next time I'm agitated.