Jeremy Lin Out, Jordan Clarkson In
The most dramatic thing about the Lakers game in San Antonio had nothing to do with Kobe Bryant’s rotator cuff. It had nothing to do with the possibility of the Lakers losing their seventh straight game, a season high. It had nothing to do with Robert Sacre starting and Ed Davis not. It had nothing to do with Jordan Clarkson finally getting the minutes he deserves.
Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Lakers won 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
That was not the story. It didn’t matter that the Lakers lost by 14 points. Or, that at one point they trailed by 23. It was hardly relevant that the Spurs had 52 rebounds. No, the storyline of this game had to do with the Lakers most polarizing player. In the old days that would have been Kobe Bryant.
But, Kobe is so beloved these days as he is making his way through the retirement door, it’s hard to say much about him other than he’s old and he’s injured and we want to see him play. Even All-Star voters want to see Kobe more than they want to see James Harden, Klay Thompson, Mike Conley or Damian Lillard.
Forget Kobe. Jeremy Lin was the story in this game. Not because he played well. Or, because he turned the ball over. Or, because he was stopped at the rim. Or, because he drilled clutch three pointers. No, Jeremy Lin was the story because he didn’t play. Not at all. Not. One. Minute. He was benched and Robert Sacre was not.
Ten Lakers played. Ryan Kelly played. Jordan Hill played. Robert Sacre played. Wayne Ellington played. Jordan Clarkson played. Carlos Boozer played. Wesley Johnson played. Nick Young played. Ed Davis played. Ronnie Price played.
But Jeremy Lin didn’t play. Why?
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James Worthy says it wasn’t an insult. It had to do with developing Jordan Clarkson.
Byron Scott said it had to do with too many point guards.
"I know what Jeremy can do. The next game might be different. It’s not like I’m not going to play him again. It was just more the case today of changing the lineup, changing rotations, trying to get looks at other guys."
Byron was very encouraged with what he got out of Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson who is from the area grew up around NBA players. His mother works at one of the hotels where NBA players stay when they come to San Antonio. He didn’t tell his mother he was starting and the surprise was on her. (And Jeremy Lin too).
Byron believes Clarkson can play in the NBA, there is a place for him.
"I was very happy with the way Jordan played. He looked poised. The moment wasn’t too big for him. I told him I’m going to let you call the plays. Have patience and have fun out there. The thing with Jordan was getting him to slow down. With his speed he should have three gears: half speed, three quarters and then put that burst when he really needs to go by people. I think tonight he showed maturity and when he needed it he was able to put the jets on. He needs time and experience. He needs to be on the floor. We haven’t scrapped the season and said let’s develop our young guys. We still want to win basketball games, that’s the bottom line. We want to see some guys play. Different positions, different rotations, different combinations. I had planned on starting Jordan with Kobe."
Jordan Clarkson was pleased with his performance. He had 11 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 turnover. He shot 55%.
"I wanted to play good and play hard, try to get a win. I was just excited to be able to play here in front of my friends and family and get bragging rights. The game kind of took over. I think I did well. I just have to continue to get better. Defense I have to keep working on. They told me to relax, have fun and play hard. They told me to keep working. I can do a better job at controlling the pace and getting what we want in half court offense."
Jeremy Lin the odd man out, for the first time this season, did not talk to reporters. Classy.