Kendall Marshall enjoying time in the Lakers’ spotlight

It’s been a blurry 24 hours for Kendall Marshall, who turned his first start with the Lakers into 20 points and 15 assists Friday against Utah.

His friends and former college teammates texted and called in droves, his Twitter followers increased exponentially and Lakers fans smiled at a warm storyline in an otherwise dreary season.

Marshall, 22, also received something from his mother, Kim. She wasn’t happy.

“The only text I got back from my mom was she sent me a video clip and told me stop cursing because they caught me on the bench saying something,� he said Saturday. “So I guess I’ve got to watch my mouth now.�

Coach Mike D’Antoni, who has seen unknown point guards escalate quickly in his stat-friendly offense (think Jeremy Lin in New York), said Marshall was as good on video of Friday’s game as he appeared to be in person.

“He might not have those numbers all the time — maybe he does, maybe he doesn’t — but the rhythm that he gives us is what’s important,� D’Antoni said. “Everybody has a little bit more pep in their step [Saturday] and last night.�

Marshall said he picked up 8,000 or 9,000 followers on Twitter after his outburst in only his fifth game with the Lakers. He became the first Lakers player since Kobe Bryant in 2002 to get 20 points and 15 assists.

His friends and former teammates sent similar messages.

“Most people were just proud of me, but the main thing was just ‘keep working,’ � he said.

Marshall was signed by the Lakers two weeks ago after injuries to point guards Steve Blake, Steve Nash and Jordan Farmar as well as Bryant. Marshall had been playing in the NBA’s Development League.

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