Jeremy Lin News: How Will Lin Fit in With Los Angeles Lakers After Being Traded?
It's official: Jeremy Lin is now a Laker.
In the latest high-profile NBA move on the same day that LeBron James has returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Houston Rockets have reportedly agreed to trade point guard Lin and a first round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lin had previously played for the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. The 25-year-old point guard will be helping the Lakers recuperate from one of their worst seasons in franchise history. The Lakers were a dismal 27-55 last season, good enough for 14th place in the Western Conference.
Now, the question remains: How will Lin fit in with the Purple and Gold?
On February 10, 2012, Lin put together one of the most memorable games of the season--ironically enough, against the Lakers. He would go on to score a career-high 38 points against the Lakers in Madison Square Garden. The Lakers got a bird's eye view of just how great Lin can be. He and Kobe Bryant would battle one-on-one for the game with Knicks eventually coming out victorious, 92-85.
At this point in time, the Lakers need Lin more than Lin needs the Lakers. This team is still without a skilled big man and the door has pretty much been closed on Carmelo Anthony. Kobe Bryant is entering his 19th season in the NBA and rest is a must for the five time champion. Lin isn't just a talented scorer, but he's a good point guard who can distribute the ball as well. It may take time, but Bryant will have to trust Lin with the basketball for this team to be successful.
Lin has had his share of moments with the Rockets, but he didn't quite fit the system. Rockets head coach Kevin McHale prefers to run the rotating point guard format. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to work. This could be a great fit for both the Lakers and Lin. The Lakers are still scheduled to pay 40-year-old Steve Nash $9.7 million next season and he isn't showing any signs of improving, or taking a pay cut.
Lin only has one year remaining on his contract. Even though Lin will make nearly $15 million next year, he could play more minutes than ever before. Like other sports, a final contract year is often the best individual performing year for an athlete. The Lakers will have to see if Lin is worth a future investment. If Lin has a great season, they should, and probably will offer him a longterm deal. If Lin and the Lakers don't see eye to eye next season, he can test the free agent market.
So in many ways, this is a great situation for all involved. it's low-risk for the Lakers and a fantastic opportunity for Jeremy Lin.
The Philadelphia 76ers had previously agreed in principal to trade for Lin, but financial restrictions took over. This could also bring back Pau Gasol and other free agents to the Lakers. Maybe Carmelo Anthony would be willing to sign for less knowing that Lin and Bryant are already with the team. Lance Stephenson could be a low price possibility. For the Rockets, this frees up a lot of cap space and Chris Bosh now becomes a very high probability, especially now that LeBron James has chosen to return to Cleveland.
With Lin returning to his home state of California, LeBron James heading back to Cleveland, and Bosh most likely going to the Rockets in his home state of Texas, returning home seems to be the biggest trend this NBA offseason.
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