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The Lakers concluded another day of training camp today, with most of the news coming out of the session once again concerning (what else?) injured players.
No Nash today at practice. No update yet on his status. Kobe took part in practice. Lin doing some light shooting.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 14, 2014
Neither Lin (ankle) or Nash (hamstring/nerves/back) practiced today. Clarkson (calf), Henry (back) and Kelly (hamstring) were limited.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 14, 2014
Regarding Nash and Lin, Byron Scott also stated to the media that there is a possibility that Lin could become the starter at point guard sooner than some were expecting.
Lin might become the Lakers' starting PG instead of Nash, Byron Scott said. He's still weighing what to do with the situation.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 14, 2014
Scott thinks Nash would be okay with a move to the bench behind Lin: "I have no doubt in my mind....He's such a professional."
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 14, 2014
If Nash is already suffering from lower back issues, it seems safe to assume that he will not be able to contribute as much as he had hoped this year. As far as all of the injured Lakers' statuses going into Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz, Scott had this to say:
Byron Scott left the door open that Lin or Nash could play Thursday. Sunday is more likely for Ryan Kelly, and Clarkson/Henry not far away.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 14, 2014
If neither Lin nor Nash can go, the Lakers would be awfully thin at point guard, likely meaning a lot of minutes for Ronnie Price to show off his unique brand of shoe throwing defense, as well as some spot minutes for Wayne Ellington and Keith Appling to run the show.
Finally, Kobe took some time to reiterate his appreciation for the Lakers organization taking care of its players:
Kobe: "We are overpaid, but so are the owners. And you have to fight for what your market value is."
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) October 14, 2014
KB: You look around at some of the other owners that try to milk their players or get rid of them or discard them, this org doesn’t do that.
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) October 14, 2014
It remains to be seen if anything will come of it, but this extended recruiting pitch by Kobe could potentially help LA with free agents down the line, even if he is old.
Kobe used his day off to rest, stretch and ice his legs: "All the things old guys gotta do to try to get ready." pic.twitter.com/s28Iy7rOvy
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 14, 2014