Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott has revealed that he plans to start point guard Jeremy Lin for the last 10 games of the season with Jordan Clarkson dropping to the bench.
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The Lakers have endured a miserable season this year having fallen to 17-48 which eliminated them from playoff contention last week, the earliest elimination in franchise history.
Having lost Kobe Bryant to a season-ending injury for the third year running, it has undoubtedly been a struggle for both Scott and his players and they are ultimately looking ahead to free agency this summer to rebuild.
However, one of the more positive aspects of the campaign has been the play of rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson who has shown that he is capable of playing a key role for the team.
The second-round pick is averaging 14 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 44.5 percent shooting from the field as a starter. However, that is all set to change as Scott looks to replace him with Lin down the stretch.
“I want to see how much of a difference it is now as opposed to the start of the season,” Scott said, InsideSoCal.com reports.
“He knows the offense better and he knows what I need from him every single night on both ends of the floor. Now to see him in a starting role, it would be a little bit of a change. He was thinking so much back earlier in the season. Right now, he’s just playing.”
Clarkson’s numbers drop off when he comes off the bench as in 21 games as a reserve, he’s shooting 38 percent from the field and averaging 4.9 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game.
While many would argue that this move makes little sense, there is a genuine reason as to why Scott is arguably going forward with this plan. Essentially, the Lakers are expected to sign a top free agent point guard this summer, with the likes of Rajon Rondo and Goran Dragic linked with a move.
If either signs, then Clarkson will need to adjust to his role off the bench and by giving him 10 games without pressure to do so, Scott will be hoping that he can flourish and find his role on the team while Lin looks to play his way into a new deal whether that is in LA or elsewhere.
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