Lakers’ Jeremy Lin, Ryan Kelly return to starting lineup

It’s no secret that Jeremy Lin has been playing mostly well since being demoted to the bench in December. After a season-high 29 points on Sunday against Philadelphia, Lin will be rewarded with a return to the starting lineup on Tuesday at Oklahoma City.

Byron Scott announced the decision following practice on Monday by saying that Lin would be paired with Jordan Clarkson and it was something he had considered the previous weeks based on Lin’s performances leading up to Sunday

“It had nothing to do with last night but last night obviously made it a little bit easier to throw him in there because he played so well. We’ll see what happens on this trip,” Scott said.

Lin, who started three games following his demotion due to injuries, has struggled with his consistency – he only had two points in Thursday’s loss at home to Utah. Scott hoped that a return to the lineup would help slow him down and find the stability to help level his play on both ends of the floor.

“I know he’s capable of it. It’s a matter of him going out and doing it and the last couple weeks, he’s had some really good games,” said Scott.

Scott added that Ryan Kelly would be making his first start since March 6 as he will join Wesley Johnson and Tarik Black in the starting frontcourt.

Lin, who learned of the news after practice, said that sharing the backcourt with Jordan Clarkson would be nothing new for him as he played shooting guard at Harvard and also shared point guard duties in New York and Houston.

“It’s something I envision being pretty good,” said Lin, who started the first 20 games of the season, “It doesn’t matter who brings up the ball.”