Jeremy Lin is known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, but Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant wants his new teammate to improve of another aspect of his game -- defense.

Bryant said in an interview with Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News that he is mentoring Lin to become a great defensive player, saying that the 26-year-old point guard has all the tools to excel on defense.

"Jeremy's biggest challenge, which he loves, is I'm really going to challenge him to be a great defensive player because he can," Bryant said. "He has the speed. He has the length. He has the size. But he's never had to take on that challenge to be a great defensive player."

Lin, who averaged 7.5 points to go along with 7.0 assists 3.5 rebounds in two preseason games, was tasked to defend Stephen Curry during their match on Thursday. With his renewed focus on defense, Lin felt that he did a great job in showing that he is ready to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

"It starts with me at the top and being aggressive," Lin said. "I have to be at the top of the key and not let guys get comfortable."

The former Harvard University standout also admitted that Bryant has been talking a lot to him, challenging him to work hard to improve his game. Lin added that the 18-year veteran has been demanding a lot from him. But instead of feeling pressured, the fourth-year guard said that he is ready to accept Bryant's challenge.

"That's pretty much all I talk to him about on the court. He's pushing me and demanding a lot from me," Lin said of Bryant. "He's definitely taking a mentorship role with me on the court. That's something I don't think I've had in my previous four years in the league."

Lin has played with some of the biggest stars in the league like James Harden and Dwight Howard of the Houston Rockets along with Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks.

The Palo Alto, California native said, though, that he has never heard of the defensive tips Bryant gave him in their first few practices, such as the proper way of using his hands to prevent shooters from scoring.

"That's important and something I love. It's a blessing he's here in the same locker room," Lin said of Bryant.

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