Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jeremy Lin put up a strong game, but once again had to take the back seat for rookie playmaker Jordan Clarkson, who came through with a career-night in Tuesday's 92-98 loss to the Washington Wizards at Staples Center.
Clarkson, who rarely played significant minute through the first 30 games of the season, is now getting quality playing time from head coach Byron Scott after making his second start in his career.
The 6-foot-5 combo guard from Missouri finished with a career-high 18 point on 8-for-18 shooting along with 3 rebounds and 3 dimes in 37 minutes of play.
Wayne Ellington, who replaced injured star player Kobe Bryant (torn rotator cuff) in the starting lineup, led the way with career-best 28 points but his effort won't be enough to avert the Lakers from suffering its 9th straight defeat - which is the longest losing streak in franchise's history since 1994.
Lin, fresh from registering 14 points and 8 assists in a loss to the Houston Rockets on Sunday, served as the x-factor Lakers' strong showing in the first half, tallying five points and five assists with a +11 rating.
Los Angeles led by 11 points at the half, 57-46, and extended its lead to 16 points in the third. However, All-Star point guard John Wall started to catch fire, as he led the Wizards to a furious rally in the second half, especially in the fourth-quarter.
Lin, on the other hand, couldn't sustain his strong play from the first quarter but still finished with 7 points and 8 assists in 23 minutes. After losing his starting job to Ronnie Price, it seems Lin's role will regress even further with Scott looking to allot more minutes for Clarkson's development.
