Ten games remain for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. Wins have been hard to come by as injuries and health issues hampered the already talent-lacking roster. After falling to the Brooklyn Nets Sunday, the team prepared to take on the Philadelphia 76ers Monday night.
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Point guard Jeremy Lin sat out Sunday’s game with an upper respiratory infection and will miss a second one Monday. According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Lin won’t play against the 76ers as he continues to rest and heal:
Jeremy Lin will sit out tonight vs Philly. Upper respiratory infection still bothering him
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) March 30, 2015
After battling rotation changes all season long, Lin was recently re-inserted into the starting lineup for the current road trip. His numbers and play have improved since coming back from the All-Star break. Since then, he is averaging 14.8 points and 5.1 assists connecting on 45.3 percent of his shots. Lin dropped a season-high 29 points against the 76ers when the two teams last met eight days ago.
With Lin out of the lineup, Wayne Ellington will start in his place just as he did against the Nets Sunday. Ellington has started 35 games for the Lakers this season and has been taking his opportunity to shine.
Lin is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the season’s end. While his future with the Lakers is in question, he will look to find a proper fit for him. Although his struggles earlier in the season could hint he wants to go elsewhere, he believes he can play alongside Jordan Clarkson. The Lakers will address their point guard situation over the summer. Whether or not Lin stays, the draft and free agency are tools to improve their roster.
[divide]Lakers Practice Footage: Byron Scott Hands On With Jordan Clarkson