All Eyes on Jeremy Lin To Have Breakout Year as Starter for Lakers

In his first season in purple-and-gold jersey, Jeremy Lin is on the brink of locking up the starting point guard spot for the Los Angeles Lakers, with Steve Nash struggling to stay healthy this preseason.

What does this mean for his value in Fantasy Leagues? Apparently, it means a lot to the point that Fantasy Basketball experts are already suggesting that Lin is going to be an ideal late-round pick for this coming season.

According to Roto World, the 26-year old Lin will be a nice selection for fantasy players because he's going to have more playing time either at the point guard or shooting guard positions. The more playing time he will have, the better stats he will put up on the boxscore sheet, as proven by his per-36-minute stats last season.

"With Nash already battling nerve-related pain, the decision could be made for Scott before opening night. Lin would inject some much-needed penetration into L.A.'s lineup, and he's worth a late-round pick for anyone in need of a competent PG," Roto World reported,

"On a per-36-minute basis last year, he averaged 15.6 points, 1.4 triples, 3.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals."

After great offseason along with solid showing in training camp, the 40-year old Nash was projected to start for the Lakers from opening day with Lin taking some minutes as his backup.

Unfortunately for the two-time NBA MVP, he already complained about a bothering feeling right after his first game against the Denver Nuggets. It was later revealed that the veteran playmaker is dealing with little sciatica problem, casting a cloud of doubt about his health for the entire 82-game campaign.

In a recent interview, Lakers head coach Byron Scott revealed that he's now leaning towards starting Lin at the point guard spot.

"I have no doubt in my mind that if I went to Steve and said tomorrow, 'You know what, I'm going to start Jeremy and the games that you're available, we're going to bring you off the bench,' he's such a professional that I don't think it would be a problem whatsoever," Scott said.

Lin, who is dealing with an ankle sprain, is expected to miss Thursday's preseason ballgame against the Utah Jazz, but he's scheduled to play in Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns.