Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jeremy Lin is in odd situation right now following a lackluster performance against the Golden State Warriors. After just 10 games as a starter for the purple-and-gold, Lin's role might drastically change as head coach Byron Scott hinted change will happen soon.
Acquired by the Lakers in a trade with the Houston Rockets this summer, the 26-year old Lin entered the 2014-15 NBA season with high expectation of becoming an important part of the team. From a projected backup playmaker, the Asian-American baller soon secured a starting role following a season-ending injury to Steve Nash.
Through the first 10 games, Lin showed flashes of brilliance against elite competition. He recorded 17 points and 9 assists against Chris Paul in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, but his best performance so far in purple-and-gold uniform was his 21-point, 7-assist outing against the Charlotte Hornets, helping the Lakers capture their first and only win of the season.
However, Lin has been far from consistent and his defense remained a liability for the team. In the game against the Warriors, his weaknesses were all exposed in the matchup against All-Star point guard Stephen Curry. Lin finished the game with 0 points on 0-for-2 shooting in 22 minutes of playing time, while Curry burned him and the Lakers with 30 points and 15 assists.
Byron Scott was so livid after seeing his team obliterated again to the point that he's looking to make changes in the lineup for the next games.
Lakers beat writer Mark Medina detailed Scott's comment:
He admitted that "patience is running thin." Scott also said he's "getting close" to making lineup changes after the Lakers allowed the Warriors to feature seven players cracking double digits."
"You either want to do it, can't do it or won't do it," Scott said of the Lakers' defense. "I got to assume that when I see guys jogging, that you're tired. If I assume that, I have to make changes."
The benching of Lin might suggest that change will happen soon in the Lakers. Nick Young is scheduled to return from an injured thumb against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, while Quincy Miller is expected to be signed by the Lakers next week.
As for Lin, there's no doubt that his starting role could be taken away from him to give way for the development of youngster Jordan Clarkson, who has so far shown promise as a versatile guard.
