Jeremy Lin is a likely candidate for the starting point guard position with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2014-15 NBA season. Veteran guard Steve Nash is reportedly recovering well from his injuries and might be asked to take the lead if he is healthy, however. The Lakers' opening match will be against the Houston Rockets on October 28.
Although most NBA players vie for a starting position, Jeremy Lin doesn't necessarily aspire to be a starting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. "Watching the way the Spurs [played], and watching what Ginobili did, I just think starting is great but that's a lot lower on my priority list now that I've been through it," he told Lakers Nation recently.
Los Angeles will face the Houston Rockets at home opening night, and Lin says he is excited to play against his former teammates. He doesn't expect to steal the spotlight that evening, however - "It's not an opening night centered around me. It's more [about] Kobe and Dwight," he says. Despite impressive play in Houston, Lin was traded to Los Angeles in July when the Rockets were hoping to sign a max deal with Chris Bosh.
Lin, who is at least ten years younger than Lakers stars Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, is expected to bring some much needed youth and vigor to the team. Head Coach Byron Scott says he is anticipating how Lin will benefit the Lakers - "I love that he's not afraid of the moment. He doesn't mind taking big shots, and he's very gritty, tough, and intelligent. Those are all things I think will fit well with things we're trying to do," he says.
If Steve Nash is not healthy, Lin would likely start at point guard against the Rockets. The 40-year-old has had some incapacitating injuries in the past couple of years, and it is speculated that this will be his last season in the NBA.
"Steve hasn't played a lot in the last year, and the clock is ticking. I did see him working out here a couple of days ago and he looked fantastic. He says he's pain free for the first time in a while, and hopefully he'll be healthy, number one, and hopefully he'll be able to provide some things for us on the offensive," Scott told NBA.com. The Lakers coach has also mentioned the possibility of playing Lin and Nash together on the court. He might also use rookie Jordan Clarkson as a combo guard, filling roles of shooting and point guard as needed.
Whether or not Jeremy Lin will start for the Lakers, his head coach has high hopes for his role within the team. "He's a triple threat type of player, and can be very effective out of pick and rolls as a result. He can shoot, finish at the rim or make plays for other guys," Scott says.
