Los Angeles Lakers News, Rumors & Roster: Jeremy Lin Praised by Byron Scott
The Los Angeles Lakers preseason practices are underway and so many eyes are on focused on newly acquired point guard Jeremy Lin.
Lin made a name for himself with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets with pinpoint passes and high scoring games. The Lakers may have traded away power forward Pau Gasol to the Chicago Bulls, but the team is hoping Lin, paired with Kobe Bryant, will create a powerful back-court combination this upcoming season.
Another big addition for the Lakers was head coach Byron Scott, who once played for the Purple and Gold in the 1980s, winning three NBA Championships with the squad. As a coach, Scott led the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. The Scott and Lin combination will be interesting to watch this season.
During preseason practices, Scott had a lot of good things to say about Lin.
"I like him a lot. I really do. On defense he really knows where to be. He's gritty, just like I knew he would be."
Lin's best attribute is his dual threat scoring and passing ability, but his defense has been somewhat overlooked in his young career. Despite starting just 140 career games, Lin has 290 steals, including 134 in the 2012-13 season. With Carmelo Anthony out in New York for a period of time, Lin rejuvenated a defenseless team.
Scott would also go on to say:
"He's going to guard you to the best of his ability, and he never gives up on a play. Offensively he runs the team. He gets to the basket. I love the way he pushes the ball in the open floor."
Driving to the basket and "pushing the ball" is certainly something Lin thrives at. Recently, during Lakers media day, Lin said "I think my bread and butter will always be attacking the basket." The biggest advantage Lin can offer over veteran point guard Steve Nash is youth and speed. Nash and Lin have been getting along great so far in team workouts, and Lin loves the opportunity to work with and learn from established players like Nash and Kobe Bryant.
Scott has always been a defensive-minded coach. Scott had the pleasure to coach the great Jason Kidd in New Jersey, and he just may see similarities between both Kidd and Lin.
Recently, Lin has been practicing a lot with the second team offense, facing off against Steve Nash. However, Scott has publicly denied that Nash will be the full time start come regular season.
The Lakers open their NBA preseason against the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 6. Their first regular season game will be played against the Houston Rockets on Oct. 28.
For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter