The Los Angeles Times reports that Jeremy Lin ran point guard for the second squad of the Lakers during this week's scrimmages, going up strong against seasoned starter Steve Nash.
While most of the Lakers' preseason practice focuses on conditioning and defense, they did make some time for a little 5-on-5. The starting and backup Lakers players scrimmaged against one another during day two of an intense training camp this week.
While rumors have surfaced that Jeremy Lin may start as point guard over recovering veteran Steve Nash this season, the 40-year-old guard's health seemed much improved as he lead the Lakers' first string along with Kobe Bryant. If Nash does end up needing some rest for injuries, however, it can be expected that Lin would lead the Lakers at the point guard position with Jordan Clarkson as his backup.
The Lakers' second string, which also included Julius Randle and Nick Young, won one victory over the starting squad out of the three scrimmage games that were played on Wednesday. Some believe that both Young and Lin will vie for a starting position this season, and that their contribution to the team could help the Lakers make their way to the playoffs this year.
Head Coach Byron Scott complimented Lin's defense and intuition during the training camp - "On defense he really knows where to be. He's gritty, just like I knew he would be ... he never gives up on a play," he said. Lin has also shown promise on offense, driving to the rim and running the team well. "He can really get in there at the rim [and] cause problems, create fouls," says his teammate, Steve Nash.
With Nash expecting to retire at the end of the 2014-15 season, some have high hopes for Jeremy Lin's future with Los Angeles. The Lakers will face Lin's former team, the Houston Rockets, in the season opener on October 28.
