Luke Walton said his chronically sore back is not forcing him into early retirement.

"I expect to be on the court," he said in a phone interview with The Times. "I can fight through any pain I have and finish up the contract. I feel great right now, so there's no reason to believe I won't be able to play and help out the squad."

Walton, 31, has two years and $11.5 million left on his contract. Metta World Peace, 32, has three years and $21.5 million remaining.

Walton said he ignored reports that he might be waived.

"I felt there's a chance it could happen, but everything I've heard is that Mitch [Kupchak] isn't using it this year," Walton said, referring to the Lakers' general manager. "I think it's great. Our team is fine. We don't need big change. If you ask anyone on our team, we feel very confident that our window is not closed and we could win another championship before it does close."