The Los Angeles Lakers are simply trying to get by at the moment. The team is struggling no matter how many times head coach Byron Scott changes up the lineup each game. It is clear that the roster leaves a lot to be desired, something the team intends to fix sooner rather than later. With their trade abilities limited, free agency will be big for Los Angeles and the point guard position will likely fall as the main focus.
The point guard position is simply not going as planned for the Lakers. Heading into the season, the Lakers planned on Steve Nash returning to full health and starting the year. Scott even told the media during training camp that Nash was looking healthier than he had in years and the team had full confidence in his abilities. However, Nash never made it to the start of the year and is officially ruled out for the season.
Jeremy Lin was traded to backup Nash and was immediately put into the starting job. That has yet to work out as the point guard continues to struggle with his shot and show chemistry with Kobe Bryant. Lin is currently averaging 11.5 points and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range. The end result was Lin being benched heading into last Sunday's game and Scott is not sure if he will return.
"I believe I can be a starting point guard in the league and I want to be," Lin said, via ESPN.com. "That's been a goal of mine for a long time. I'm not going to lie. It was disappointing when I heard about it. This is one of the toughest situations I've been in every since I played the game of basketball. It's tough, but I believe God has me for a reason and I just keep working."
Lin is clearly not the long-term option for the Lakers, so who will be the point guard of the future. All eyes immediately shift towards Rajon Rondo who was just recently spotted having breakfast with Bryant. Both sides have denied it was a recruiting meeting, but the Lakers have been linked to Rondo for some time and can be expected to chase him come the offseason.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Deron Williams could be an option. The Brooklyn Nets are attempting to trade the point guard in an effort to lessen the salary cap tightness. Williams might not cost the Lakers as much as people think which could make him a good fit for the team in the long run. Goran Dragic will also get attention. He is likely the lone man out after the Phoenix Suns made several offseason signings at the position. He will command a lot of money, but the Lakers will have the space to sign him.
