UPDATE: It’s official. Jeremy Lin started alongside Jordon Clarkson in the 1st all Asian American starting backcourt in NBA history. At halftime, Lin leads the Lakers with five assists and 16 points on 6 for 9 shooting including two three pointers. He managed to add just three points and two more assists in the second half. It was Clarkson who shined in the second half with 18 more points for a season high of 30 to go along with seven assists. The Lakers however didn’t show much on the defensive end and loss 127 – 117 to a Thunder team no one expected them to beat. You can catch the full game highlights and a message from Jeremy Lin himself here on AsAmNews.
Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott says he’ll start Jeremy Lin alongside Filipino American Jordan Clarkson tonight in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, reports the Los Angeles Times (Photo by Gene Wang).
“I’m going to change the lineup. As a matter of fact, I’m going to start Jeremy and J.C. together. They don’t even know it yet,” said Scott.
If it does happen, it would be the first time two Asian Americans have started an NBA game in the backcourt.
You’re witnessing NBA history right now, Lakers fans. Jeremy Lin and Jordan Clarkson are the first Asian-American backcourt to start a game.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 25, 2015
Lin started the first 20 games of the season, but then was benched in favor of Ronnie Price. Since then, Jordan has replaced Price on the first string.
Scott had previously said Lin would start the final ten games of the season. He is coming off his best game of the year, scoring 29 in a win Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Scott hasn’t said if Lin will start at the two guard position or the point. Clarkson has been playing at the point and is averaging 9.6 points a game and 2.7 assists.
You can read Lin’s thoughts about playing alongside Clarkson in the Los Angeles Times.