In the first half of the 2014-15 NBA season, Jeremy Lin really struggled to adapt to his new surroundings with the Los Angeles Lakers. Lin had a second chance to prove “Linsanity” was not a fluke as a starter in Los Angeles, but after 20 games, Lin was demoted to the second unit.
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Although the beginning of Lin’s stint with the Lakers was forgettable, the veteran point guard has started to turn things around since the All-Star break. Lin is quickly working his way back to form as a dependable option for head coach Byron Scott in the backcourt.
With Lin starting to turn things around, the debate has started to heat about whether the Lakers should re-sign him in the off-season. Lin remains adamant that he won’t talk about free agency until this summer, via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:
“I’m not going to answer any of those free agency questions until after the season. I’ll discuss that later,” Lin said diplomatically after totaling three blocked shots and two steals against Memphis, part of an improved defensive effort for the 26-year-old.
A solid finish to his first season with the Lakers will definitely increase his value on the open market. Lin is still considered a strong backup point guard in the league and struggle to reclaim starter status if he heads elsewhere.
As for the Lakers situation, the franchise is intent on developing rookie Jordan Clarkson moving forward. The Missouri product has made tremendous strides to improve in his first season and appears to have a bright future ahead.
The Lakers will also be actively pursuing some of the top tier free agents this summer with a few point guards in their crosshairs. Goran Dragic and Rajon Rondo will be targets in free agency and that’ll almost certainly impact Lin’s chances of re-signing.
[divide]Lakers Jeremy Lin Explains His Personal Progression