PE: EL SEGUNDO - Coming off the bench behind veteran point guard Derek Fisher doesn't bother Jordan Farmar. He just wants everyone to know he doesn't plan to be an understudy forever.
Asked if he views this season as his chance to prove he's capable of succeeding Fisher, Farmar unapologetically said earning the starting point guard job has been his goal since the Lakers selected him 26th in the 2006 draft.
"I know I can succeed in this league, and I know I should be a starting point guard one day," Farmar said. "That's no secret. That's nothing to be ashamed of. I want to push myself to be the best basketball player I can be."
Shuffled back and forth between the Lakers and their D-League affiliate as a rookie, Farmar solidified his place in the league last season, showcasing the energy and playmaking skills that were his trademarks at UCLA. He sparked the Lakers' transition offense off the bench, averaging 9.1 points and 2.7 assists in just over 20 minutes a game.
The desire to push Fisher for the starting job this season led Farmar back to the gym during the offseason when he wasn't busy running youth basketball camps in Israel or doing charity work in his native Los Angeles.
He better start playing some D if he wants to start.
