It was team photo day at the Los Angeles Lakers facility on Wednesday and since Jeremy Lin was unable to practice due to a thigh contusion and Wesley Johnson was dealing with a sore calf, head coach Byron Scott gave his team a light day, mostly consisting of shooting drills.
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Jeremy Lin says barring any setbacks Thursday morning, he’s planning to be available for tomorrow’s game against the New York Knicks. Lin’s performances since the NBA All-Star break have been a bright spot in the latter end of this Lakers season. In the 10 games since the All-Star break, Lin has averaged 14.3 points per game on 45.6% shooting (47-103) and has led the team in scoring from the bench four times. Lin’s also scored in double figures in 10 of his last 15 games and averaged 6.3 assists per game in his last seven games.
Scott attributes Lin’s success to his recent aggressiveness coupled with better decision making and better knowledge of the offense, but Lin believes he was just as aggressive before the All-Star break.
To be honest, I felt like I was pretty aggressive before too, maybe things are opening up a little more. The more I’m out there, the more I’m able to get comfortable, get a rhythm and I’ll be able to hopefully make a run at things,” Lin said after practice.
Ed Davis’ reliable and consistent game hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s shooting a career-best 61.1% from the field this season, making 228 of his 373 shots. He’s been perfect from the field five times this season (minimum five attempts). Scott said he’s having a “breakout” season.
“Offensively, he does exactly what he’s capable of doing, he doesn’t try to go outside of his capabilities. He’s (Ed Davis) one of those guys that’s definitely having one of the biggest years of his career.”
The Lakers take on an equally struggling New York Knicks team on Thursday night at Staples Center.
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