Starting Ronnie Price Over Jeremy Lin is ‘No Brainer'

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott has reiterated that he didn't regret starting Ronnie Price in favor of Jeremy Lin, who served as the team's starting point guard in the first 20 games, in Sunday's 105-87 loss to the New Orleans Hornets at Staples Center.

In post-game press conference, Scott defended his decision to change Lin's role from a starter to now a bench player, insisting it's 'no brainer' to replace him with a better defensive player in Price.

"If you look at our record, we have to make changes -- at least I think I do," Scott said. "As a coach, I'm not going to stand pat and just watch it continue to be played this way. So to me, it was a no-brainer. The reason is obviously on the defensive end. The last five games I've been thinking about this."

Scott, who was tapped by the Lakers management to guide the team back to contention, has seen his team struggled through the first month of the NBA season, but it was more than just poor defense to blame in the Lakers' woeful season so far.

The Lakers ranked dead-last in the league in point allowed per game, letting their opponents score as much as 110 points per game. However, they are also having problem rebounding the ball and distributing the leaders, as they rank 20^th (41.7 rpg) and 24^th (19.8 apg) in that category.

Most analysts believe the Lakers simply lack the talent to compete every single night, especially against high-powered teams in the Western Conference.

As for the 26-year old Lin, returning to the bench marks the lowest point he has so far with the Lakers after being built up as a potential breakout player this season by several NBA analysts.

Averaging at least 11 points and 5 assists per game, the Asian-American star has provided some great games for the Lakers, but the same inconsistency problem with the Houston Rockets the past two season has apparently continued to haunt him.

Other than being a defensive liability, Lin's demotion as a backup point guard might be a tactic by Scott to add some firepower to the Lakers bench, who heavily relied on Nick Young the past five games.

In the end, it seems the Lakers would need more than a lineup change for them to start winning ball games as they play host to Pacific Division rival Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.