The Los Angeles Lakers picked up their 18th win of the season by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers Sunday night. Jeremy Lin led the team and picked up a season-high 29 points while also picking up five assists and five rebounds.
Sunday’s performance was another in Lin’s improved play post All-Star break. After weeks of putting up better numbers and a strong outing against the Sixers, head coach Byron Scott has chosen to make another lineup change and put Lin back into the starting lineup, according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Lakers starting lineup change: Jeremy Lin, Jordan Clarkson, Wes Johnson, Ryan Kelly, Tarik Black
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 23, 2015
Lin began the season as the starting point guard but was replaced 20 games in after the Lakers struggled to pick up wins early on. Inconsistency plagued Lin in his first year with the team. In addition, he has been reported to have philosophical differences with Scott. The two seemingly disagree over the pick-and-roll as well as Lin’s turnover issues.
There are just 14 games left in the season, and the Lakers will be using the final stretch to evaluate players. With Lin’s contract expiring at season’s end, the Lakers will have to figure out if Lin is apart of their future.
Addressing the point guard situation should be one of the team’s priorities over the summer. Second-round pick Jordan Clarkson has shown promise at times during the season. The front office will have plenty of cap-space as well as a protected top-five pick.
[divide]VIDEO: Jeremy Lin After Being Named Starter