Los Angeles Lakers News & Rumors: 6 Reasons Lakers Should and Shouldn't Re-Sign Jeremy Lin
Jeremy Lin may have played his last (and only) season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 26-year-old point guard is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and there's no telling yet where he will end up. Lin may choose to re-sign with the Lakers, but Mitch Kupchak has to decide whether or not they want to bring Lin back.
Let's break down the reasons why the Lakers should and should not bring Lin back next season.
Why the Lakers Should Re-Sign Lin
1. Knows the System
Possibly the biggest reason the Lakers should re-sign Lin is he knows the system having played all of last season in it. Despite not having Kobe Bryant for much of the year or any really reliable scorer, Lin still led the Lakers in assists with 339. Jordan Clarkson had the second most assists on the team with just 206. Even if the Lakers can pick up another skilled point guard, they can always have Lin play supporting minutes off the bench, if that's what he wants to do.
2. Money
Last season was more than likely Lin's last "big contract" (nearly $15 million) year. Every NBA team has to follow salary cap rules and limits, and re-signing Lin wouldn't be detrimental financially at all. The Dallas Mavericks have shown some interest in Lin, but there's no telling how much Mark Cuban will offer. The Lakers could get a good young point guard for pretty cheap here.
3. Age
Speaking of young, Lin is just 26 years old. The Lakers are in transition entering a new chapter in franchise history. Bryant is nearing retirement and Steve Nash is no longer on the roster, for better or for worse. Securing Lin in a nice three to five year contract would give the Lakers security for the next few seasons.
Why the Lakers Should Not Re-Sign Lin
1. Rebuilding
As previously mentioned, this Lakers franchise is changing things up. They have the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, they're looking to rebuild their front-court, and Lin may not even want to re-sign with the Purple and Gold. Obviously last season wasn't all Lin's fault, but a franchise record 61 losses is something they want to put behind them.
2. Other Options
Lin will get offers from teams, but the Lakers have some pretty good options at the point guard position this offseason. Reggie Jackson, Norris Cole, Mo Williams, Cory Joseph, Patrick Beverley are all possible free agents this offseason the Lakers could sign. The big name of course is Rajon Rondo. Rondo didn't exactly gel great with the Mavericks, but the Lakers have been in trade rumors with Rondo for years going back to his playing days with the Boston Celtics.
3. Desire
Who knows? Lin may not even want to return to the Lakers for next season and beyond. League reports have circulated that Lin and Lakers head coach Byron Scott haven't exactly got along with the playing style implemented. Lin may want to go elsewhere to a better team, a weak Eastern Conference or maybe a squad where he will get more playing time. Lin averaged just 25.8 minutes played per game this season.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter