Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott appears to be leaning toward starting Jeremy Lin at the point guard spot over a more accomplished but ageing playmaker Steve Nash, a source close to situation reported last week.
In an interview with Orange County register writer Bill Oram, Scott admitted that Nash has been doing well in his offseason training at the Lakers practice facility in El Segundo, California.
Scott added the 40-year old Nash is feeling better ever since he arrived in Los Angeles two years ago. Then again, he isn't sure if he has done enough to get the starting nod for next year's campaign.
"Byron on Steve Nash: He's in the gym every morning, says he feels better than he's ever felt over the last two years. Unsure if Nash starts," the writer posted on his Twitter account.
Scott's comments appear to be a good development for Lin and his chances of becoming a starter next season over the two-time NBA MVP.
The Lakers head coach has always admired Lin's scoring prowess and his competitiveness on the floor, prompting many Lakers followers to believe that Lin will be the one who's going to be the premier ball handler for the purple-and-gold.
Lin - Working on His Defense
Known as one of the hardest working players in the NBA, Lin plunged into training three weeks before the start of training camp.
Aside from the training he had at Mo Williams Academy and thousands three-point shots he buried at the Palo Alto high-school gym, the 26-year old Lin is currently working on with his defense, footwork and explosiveness.
"This offseason I have been working really hard on my defense, footwork, and explosiveness. A huge component that I needed to work on is my core stability (having good posture, being able to stay low in my defensive stance, and being able to stay balanced while absorbing contact). Only 19 days left till training camp...can't wait to get back on the court!," Lin posted on his Instagram account.
The Asian-American star averaged 12 points and 4 assists in a backup role with the Rockets, who traded him along with a first-rounder to the Lakers in a cap-saving move to attract max contract free-agents. He is expected to earn roughly $15 million next season ($8M against the salary cap), the last season of his three-year, $25 million contract he signed with the Rockets in 2012.
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