L.A. Lakers: Can Jamaal Tinsley Find a Role in the Backcourt with the Lakers?

While training camp for NBA teams is set to start Friday, the D-League has been in full effect for three-and-a-half weeks now. The Lakers' D-League team, the D-Fenders, have gotten off to a 5-2 start led by former Indiana Pacer starting point guard Jamaal Tinsley.

Jamaal Tinsley is attempting to make an NBA comeback after fizzling out during 2009-10 with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 33-year-old started his comeback tour by notching the No. 1 overall pick in the D-League draft this November.

Fans who remember Jamaal Tinsley's time as the Indiana Pacers' starting point guard are familiar with Tinsley's exceptional court awareness and playmaking ability. A video refresher can help those who aren't familiar with his pass-first, streetball style of play.

With an entire year off during the 2010-11 season, Tinsley reportedly showed up to D-Fenders camp in "great shape" and has been commanding the team's offense as floor general ever since.

Understanding that they need to bolster the point guard position behind current starter Derek Fisher, the Lakers could view Tinsley as a real solution. His ability to play off pick-and-rolls and distribute the basketball through dribble drives is exactly what was lacking from PG play last season and fits nicely into Mike Brown's new offense.

While other options present themselves in 2011 Laker draft picks Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock, the two rookies may not be ready to make an impact their rookie seasons, leaving Tinsley as a dependable alternative.

Even though Darius Morris is projected to be the Lakers' point guard of the future, it may require a few years before he develops a feel for the professional game. The Lakers will most certainly assign Morris a roster spot this season, but Tinsley can't be far behind.

Defense, however, has been the Lakers' problem at point. At 33 and never considered an exceptional athlete or defender, Tinsley could be a downgrade on D when compared to Fish, Blake or the long, lengthy presence of young Darius.

Scouts probably have not been able to properly gauge Tinsley's defensive abilities in the D-League anyways where teams score in the 120s and 130s on a nightly basis.

Regardless, Tinsley will likely be invited to the Lakers' training camp this Friday to determine if he can still play and if he deserves a spot on the team.

One guy who certainly knows Tinsley can play is current Lakers head coach Mike Brown, who coached Tinsley while serving as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers in 2003.

A reunion for the two couldn't come at a better time with the Lakers searching for depth at point guard. All Tinsley wants is a chance at a comeback in this league, and all signs point to Friday's training camp being his official reintroduction to the professional game.

Laker fans should be rooting for him.