With Ronnie Price missing the game against the Utah Jazz with a sore elbow, Jeremy Lin was inserted into the starting lineup. Lin has been up and down this season, but would have an excellent opportunity to turn things around.
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Before the game, Byron Scott spoke about the toughness Ronnie Price brings to the team at the point guard spot. After the game, Lin spoke about his perceived lack of toughness according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters via Time Warner Cable SportsNet:
J. Lin on his toughness (on @TWCSportsnet): "I don't think I play soft…I try to be a hassle on both ends of the floor."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 17, 2015
While Lin has surely been inconsistent this season, he can hardly be accused of playing ‘soft.’ This thought process is exactly what Byron Scott was trying to avoid when he made the comment before the game.
Ronnie Price’s game is all about defense and hustle. He doesn’t have the most offensive skills, but he makes up for it with his athleticism, quickness and heart. Complimenting him on that is not an indictment on what Jeremy Lin does or doesn’t have.
Even though he is coming off the bench right now, Lin remains a major part of the Lakers rotation and will have every chance to turn his season around and change the way people think about him.
[divide]Lakers Jeremy Lin Says Team Needs ‘Urgency And Desperation’