Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott has been noticeably hard on Jeremy Lin these past few weeks, as he repeatedly called out the point guard for his lackluster play both on the offensive and defensive end of the floor.
On Thursday, the Lakers coach pointed out once again the problem that has been plaguing the Asian-American playmaker, and this time, he believed it has something to do with the mental aspect of Lin's game.
"A lot of inconsistency. Some games he's really good and some game's he's not," Scott said after practice via Lakers Nation. "He'll have one real good game and the next game it seems like he doesn't have his confidence. I know he knows he can provide a lot more than what he's been doing."
While Scott is very much aware of Lin's ability as a player, he admitted that he still has no idea on how to turn him into a more consistent player.
Scott strongly supported the Lakers' move to acquire Lin from the Houston Rockets last offseason, thinking that the former Harvard standout has the tools to become a high-impact player for the team.
The Lakers coach never had second thought in offering the starting job to Lin after Steve Nash went down with a season-ending back injury in the preseason. But after 20 games, Scott decided to relegate him back to the second unit and inserted veteran Ronnie Price in a more 'defensive oriented' starting five.
Lin, who also lost his starting job to Patrick Beverley in his second season with the Houston Rockets, called his current situation with the Lakers as the toughest situation he has ever been.
After putting up at least 15 points and 5 dimes in 30 minutes per game, Lin's production significantly dipped (now averaging 10 points and 4 assists in 20 minutes per contest) as Scott allots more playing time for Price, who offsets his lack of offensive skills with his rugged defense and high motor.
While Lin's much-maligned shooting mechanics remain one of major reasons for his unsteady play, several analysts think the Lakers Princeton-based offense is just too complicating for a playmaker thriving in a free-wheeling, fast-paced offensive system.
With $8M salary (which is in reality a $15M paycheck) coming off the books at the end of the season, the 26-year old Lin is heading into uncertain waters next offseason when he becomes an unrestricted free-agent.
Although there are going to be teams reaching out for his services, the inconsistency he has been dealing with so far will surely have a big effect on the amount of the next contract and the role he will have will his future team.
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