Warriors’ Kerr makes first trip with team; brings message for players, Walton

LOS ANGELES - Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who is on a leave of absence while recovering from two offseason back surgeries, travelled with the team for the first time during the regular season and provided his usually stirring oratory skills before Thursday morning's shootaround. Walton is already the clear favorite for the Western Conference Coach of the Month, having led the defending champions to a 12-0 start. "He's stepped in really well in Coach Kerr's absence," point guard Stephen Curry said. The interim coach feels the pressure to keep the team following the system Kerr installed last season and continuing to move in the right direction toward winning a second time. Shooting guard Klay Thompson (back stiffness) got coached up after Thursday morning's shootaround by player development consultant Steve Nash and is expected to play against the Clippers. … Backup point guard Shaun Livingston (hip flexor strain) is probably doubtful, but we have such a great medical staff, who knows?