Jeremy Lin Faces 5 Big Questions as Los Angeles Lakers Point Guard
The Los Angeles Lakers didn't have the NBA offseason that many fans are used to seeing.
Hopes of Carmelo Anthony joining the team faded away when he decided to re-sign with the New York Knicks. LeBron James, Kevin Love and Dwyane Wade didn't choose Los Angeles, either.
The Lakers' biggest addition was point guard Jeremy Lin. While Lin is a good player, many questions still remain in Los Angeles, particularly for Lin as he sets to take on arguably the most high-profile job he's ever had -- teaming in the backcourt with NBA superstar Kobe Bryant as the point guard on the most famous NBA team in the world.
What are the biggest questions and challenges facing Lin as he seeks to take the Lakers to the playoffs? Latin Post takes a look.
1. How Much Playing Time Will Lin Get?
Lin has shown he's capable of playing a lot of games in the past, as he played and started all 82 games in 2012. Unfortunately for Lin, the Houston Rockets only started Lin for 33 games last season.
The Lakers can't afford to play Steve Nash too many minutes. Nash is now 40 years old, and not capable of playing long-term minutes like he once did with the Phoenix Suns. Lin is just 26 years old, and is the best option for the Lakers next season.
2. How Will Lin and Kobe Bryant Do Together?
There's no denying whose team this still is. Kobe Bryant has been a member of the Lakers since 1996, when the team drafted him straight out of high school. The Lakers don't have a very good front court, so they will have to depend on Bryant and Lin a lot going forward.
Lin and Bryant are separated by 10 years of age, but they could combine to be great teammates. Will Bryant trust Lin enough in the regular season?
3. How Will Lin Fit Byron Scott's System?
Byron Scott is the new head coach of the Lakers after the unpopular Mike D'Antoni resigned from the team. Scott was the head coach of the New Jersey Nets, and led the team to two consecutive NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
This could be a very good fit because Scott once coached Jason Kidd. Kidd, similar to Lin, is a multipurpose point guard who can shoot, score and pass. Lin should watch a lot of videotape of Kidd with the Nets to get familiar with Scott's coaching philosophies.
4. Can Lin Help Lakers Frontcourt and Defensive Issues?
Losing Pau Gasol saved money for the Lakers, but it does hurt on the court. The addition of power forward Carlos Boozer will help rebounding, but his scoring abilities are limited. There's no doubt that this team is not very skilled when it comes to their big men.
Lin and Kobe are going to have to play smart possession basketball this season. Lin isn't regarded as one of the best defensive players in the game, so he has some work to do, as well. It will be extremely important for Lin to be on point with his centers and forward at all times.
5. Can Lin Help Lead the Lakers to the Playoffs?
The Lakers are in for a tough road, especially in the Western Conference. The team lost a franchise-record 55 games last season, and many doubts still remain. Bryant only played six games last season because of a terrible leg injury, so there's a chance Lin will have to play more this upcoming year than ever before.
Fortunately for Lakers fans, Lin has played in the Western Conference before, so he is used to it. Lin also has playoff experience thanks to his time with the Rockets, which will help the Lakers next season as they push in the spring for a shot at the playoffs.
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