After winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, Jordan Farmar was frustrated about his role in Phil Jackson’s triangle offense and decided to leave his hometown for the New Jersey Nets.
Although he didn’t want to leave the Lakers, he felt it was important for him to grow as a player, according to the Los Angeles Times:
“I just felt at that point, after four years in the NBA and two rings, that my role wasn’t going to be changing and I was playing the same role. I needed to give myself a chance to grow, or at least to give myself a shot and see what could happen.”
At age 26, Farmar returns as a more mature individual and is excited about the opportunity to play with the Lakers under head coach, Mike D’Antoni:
“This time around I felt this is an amazing fit, first and foremost, coming back home and playing for Coach D’Antoni right now and bringing whatever I can bring to the table and help the team.”
One of the biggest surprises this offseason was the return of the Woodlands Hills Taft High and UCLA product. After spending a couple years away, Farmar wanted to return home and play for the Lakers. At the time, general manager Mitch Kupchak thought it would be difficult to negotiate a buyout with the Turkish team, but Farmar found a way by giving up potentially $10 million for the veteran’s minimum.
Farmar now returns to the Lakers with a system that fits his play style. His ability to play up-tempo and pick-and-roll will enable him to play to his strengths and help a Lakers team that lacked perimeter speed and quickness last season.
In his first stint with the Lakers, Farmar averaged 6.9 points and 2.1 assists.
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