Los Angeles Lakers News: Jeremy Lin Plays Great in Start Against Golden State Warriors
The Los Angeles Lakers preseason has officially begun, and Jeremy Lin is off to a solid start.
In the Lakers first preseason game, against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers lost 95-98. Of course, the final score isn't what matters most in exhibition games, it's more about game play and executing plays. One of the biggest storylines in Los Angeles this offseason has surrounded the point guard position: will coach Byron Scott start the young Lin or go with the veteran Steve Nash?
Against the Nuggets, Nash got the start, playing 20 minutes and shooting 4-8 from the field. Nash also had five assists in the game. Lin came in to the game later playing 28 minutes, but didn't have a great shooting night. Lin would shoot 0-6 from the field, but still had a very impressive 10 assists.
In the Lakers second preseason game, Scott decided to give Lin the start and Nash a rest.
The Lakers hosted the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center, and it was great to see Lin and Kobe Bryant together on the court. Bryant continued his impressive performance from game one, scoring 15 points in just 23 minutes. As for Lin, the starter shot a perfect 4-4 from the field, recording 14 points and four assists in just 21 minutes.
After a disappointing 27-55 season, the team had a very busy offseason. Bringing in Byron Scott as the new head coach was a huge upgrade, but the addition of point guard Lin is what has fans most excited about this upcoming season.
There's no doubt that Lin wanted to show the Warriors they made a mistake by getting rid of him in 2011. The Lakers will take on the Warriors again on Sunday Oct. 12 at 9:30 p.m. EST at the Staples Center. Lin is averaging seven assists per preseason game so far.
The Lakers regular season doesn't begin until Oct. 28, when they face the Houston Rockets, but this is valuable playing time. Scott and Lakers management need to determine who will be best suited at each position. Nash is obviously more experienced, but injuries and low stamina have caught up to him. Lin is much younger, 14 years to be exact, but he does need to learn the system.
With the Lakers front court not looking very dominant, Bryant and Lin are expected to carry the load. Bryant is coming back from a terrible knee injury, which forced him to play just six games last season. Lin could be Bryant's favorite teammate because Bryant won't have to do as much.
Lin has said numerous times that he looks forward to playing with superstar Kobe Bryant and learning from veteran Steve Nash.
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