The end of Jeremy Lin's rocky tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers has become more imminent with the gradual development of rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson.
For the third consecutive game since receiving a healthy DNP in San Antonio, the 26-year old Lin suited up for the Lakers and contributed 11 points and 5 assists in the Lakers' 123-118 double overtime win over the Chicago Bulls.
Thursday's win against the Eastern Conference powerhouse and legit NBA contender was a morale-booster for the Lakers, who managed to avert in tying the worst losing streak in franchise history. Lin even called the victory as a sign the team is slowly growing up as a unit.
However, there's one underlying revelation many analysts and casual basketball fans found out during these last four games since Kobe Bryant went down with a season-ending shoulder injury (torn rotator cuff). And that is the Lakers are happy with Clarkson (averaging 13 points and 3 assists in 34 mins over last four games/starts) at the point moving forward, so much that it's now very unlikely Lin will wear the purple-and-gold jersey next year.
Averaging at least 10 points and 4 dimes per game, it has been rough and frustrating year for Lin, who came in Hollywood in the offseason with great expectation he would become a major piece of the franchise moving forward. Three months fast-forward, and Lin found himself settling for 20 to 25 minutes off the bench after losing his starting gig to veteran playmaker Ronnie Price.
Yahoo Sports NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski believes Lin was never viewed by the Lakers organization as part of its long-term plan, but rather a one-year rental player that could provide cap space when his $8M contracts expires at the end of this campaign.
Arash Markazi of ESPN Los Angeles thinks Lin will explore all options on the table for him to become a starter again elsewhere, although he's not ruling out Lin staying put with the Lakers in a backup capacity.
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