Farmar could play two today
Rookie guard Jordan Farmar, whose playing time has declined sharply, will be sent down to the Lakers’ Development League affiliate today and, in a minor history-making moment, be recalled immediately after the D-Fenders’ game to suit up for the Lakers tonight against Sacramento.
A player has never appeared in a Development League game and an NBA game in the same day since the Development League became the NBA’s official minor-league system before the 2005-06 season, according to Development League officials.
The D-Fenders play Anaheim today at 2:30 p.m. at Staples Center, followed by the Lakers and Kings at 6:30, also at Staples Center.
Farmar, 20, has seen his scoring and minutes drop considerably over the last few weeks. He has not played in four of the last six games, and has played more than 12 minutes in a game only twice in the last six weeks.
Overall, he is averaging 4.8 points and two assists in 15.5 minutes a game this season.
“The thinking behind it is that it would be really great to have Jordan get a game in which he really has sustained minutes to play -- get some shots, get back in rhythm again,” Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. “With the team the way it is right now, we haven’t been able to practice at a full-court level for any duration of time. Maybe once a week. So he’s lost rhythm and confidence in some of the great offensive things that he’s done for us.”
The D-Fenders (21-23) are in third place in the Development League’s six-team Western Conference. They were purchased by Lakers owner Jerry Buss last year, but the Lakers have yet to send a player down to their affiliate. Players in their first or second NBA seasons can be sent to the Development League up to three times in one season.
It remains to be seen if Farmar plays for both the D-Fenders and Lakers in the same day. “He might,” Jackson said. “If Mike Bibby gets fouls on our guards, we might need him.”
*
TONIGHT
vs. Sacramento, 6:30, FSN West
Site -- Staples Center.
Radio -- 570; 1330.
Records -- Lakers 38-34; Kings 30-41.
Record vs. Kings -- 1-1.
Update -- The Kings’ fading playoff hopes took another blow with a 105-101 loss at home Friday against the Clippers.
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