Reports out of LA are that Jeremy Lin will be the Lakers starting point guard, not Steve Nash. Right now it may be more a matter of who’s least injured. Nash has struggled with his back, and though specifics aren’t being mentioned, LakersReporter Mike Trudell uses the catchall “Nash (hamstring/nerves/back)” to describe the situation. Lin’s ankle injury isn’t chronic like Nash’s problems, and coach Byron Scott is probably looking to Lin to lend stability to his team.
Scott must believe that Nash coming in and out of the starting spot–as is bound to happen given his condition–will be too disruptive to a team trying to establish a new identity. The Lakers want to get as sturdy as they can and give Kobe Bryant a chance to be the difference maker. If Nash can help off the bench, terrific. But a situation where Nash’s status is always day-to-day adds too much volatility to a team that can’t afford it. If Lin is just 80% of Steve Nash’s talent, but he’s there 100% of the time, that’s a trade-off the Lakers coach seems increasingly willing to make. According to Mike Bresnahan, Soctt has already considered how Nash will take the demotion. Scott thinks the veteran will take it well: “I have no doubt in my mind….He’s such a professional.”
Scott thinks Nash would be okay with a move to the bench behind Lin: “I have no doubt in my mind….He’s such a professional.”
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 14, 2014
