Lakers' Luke Walton may be scrambling for court time.

He was awarded a six-year, $30-million contract during the summer of 2007 after having a career year during the 2006-07 season in which he started 60 games, and all five of the Lakers' playoff games.

But now Walton is in a struggle to find minutes because of the logjam of talent at his position. And it hasn't helped that Walton fell behind in training camp while recovering from ankle surgery.

"My job is to go out and play. His job is to determine who plays where, when and how much," Walton said of Lakers Coach Phil Jackson. "That's out of my control."

When Walton was a starter during the 2006-07 season, he averaged career highs in points (11.4), rebounds (5.0), assists (4.3) and minutes (33.0).

Last season he played in 74 games, but only 31 as a starter.

Walton's role this season has yet to be determined.

"I really don't know," Jackson said today after practice. That's because Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, Vladimir Radmanovic and even Kobe Bryant all will spend time at the small forward position.

When Walton is added to the mix, that makes five players looking for court time.

"We're loaded all over the court at every position," Walton said. "We have versatile people that can play multiple positions."

In July Walton had surgery to remove bone spurs and scar tissue and to clean up some cartilage debris from his right ankle.

Walton has not played in any exhibition games this fall, but Jackson said he has made some strides in practice. "We catch him occasionally reaching for balls instead of going to get it to try and stay out of the fray, like he's still a little bit concerned about getting in there where accidents happen," Jackson said.

Walton insists he's not limited by the ankle.

"I wanted to be in top shape coming into training camp, but obviously that wasn't the case," Walton said. "But I've been working my tail off, running on the track, doing other things to speed up the recovery process.

"Now that I have my legs, my wind under me, I'm starting to get my timing back a little bit and I feel that's there's no reason that by the time the season starts, I won't be fully caught up."

Walton will suit up for Saturday's game at the Staples Center when the Lakers face FC Barcelona at 7:30 p.m.

He joked that "48 minutes" of playing time would be good, but he would settle for "40." His main goal is to test his ankle.

"It's not 100 percent," Walton said. "It's the best it's been."

One thing Walton does have in his favor is that he is adept in the triangle offense.

Being versatile may allow him to get on the court, even if it means playing the guard spot.

"I've got to know all five positions," Walton said. "It's going to be interesting to see how [Jackson] works it. As a player, all you can do is go out, play well and work hard in practice and try to get the opportunity to do something."

broderick.turner@latimes.com