Jeremy Lin, A Short-Lived Laker?
By Mike Garcia
Jeremy Lin is a good player. He is a tremendous improvement at the point guard spot for the Lakers. The Lakers haven’t had a point guard willing to attack so aggressively since Steve Blake was getting triple doubles under the Mike D’Antoni system.
But, is his Laker stay only temporary?
Many rumors have come about during this off-season. Other point guards have been named attached to Laker interest. Will the Lakers go after Rajon Rondo? How about going after a great athlete in Eric Bledsoe? Now, Goran Dragic is tied to the Lakers. If any of them were acquired, it’s fair to say that they would each start over Jeremy Lin. Even Patrick Beverley started over Jeremy Lin.
The current team has tremendous cap flexibility. This upcoming off-season, if Jeremy Lin is not resigned, the Lakers have money for one maximum salary. The following year, assuming Kobe Bryant retires, the Lakers will again, have money for one maximum salary.
Jul 24, 2014; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak introduces Jeremy Lin during a press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Personally, I’d rather see Jeremy Lin get a chance. The season hasn’t started and Lin hasn’t been given a shot to prove himself. While the Lakers are looking for the best talent, elite level talent is needed elsewhere. It doesn’t make sense to use the maximum salary on a player who cannot be considered a franchise player. Rajon Rondo puts up great numbers after coming back from his injury. Eric Bledsoe is a dynamic point guard, but isn’t perceived to carry the Phoenix Suns. Goran Dragic is also a tremendous point guard for the Phoenix Suns, but does anyone see him as a franchise player?
There is going to be a tremendous change for the Lakers this upcoming season. Byron Scott will have a minutes restriction on Kobe Bryant. The team identity will change to one that is more physical and defensive oriented. The offense will not just be based around pick-and-roll play, but down the line, elements of the Princeton offense will be sprinkled in. Players need to develop. Players need to establish themselves.
It’s only fair for Jeremy Lin to be given a season and establish himself. Who knows? He may be a permanent solution for the Lakers long-term, while a big trade and cap space allows the Lakers to target other elite talents.
What do you think? Please leave comments below.