Lakers ‘to-do’ List: Point Guards: Lin, Nash and Clarkson

Jul 24, 2014; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers Jeremy Lin is introduced to the media during a press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Lin

Work on skillset off the ball.

One of the most transparent traits of Lin’s game is that he performs to a  much higher standard when he is able to act as a ball dominant guard. After finding a comfortable niche for himself in New York, Lin’s versatility was quickly put to the test after he joined the Houston Rockets, where he found himself matched alongside the hot handed, James Harden. Whilst it would be unfair to say that Lin’s career stagnated in Texas, the restrictions placed upon him by the demanding two certainly forced him to re-evaluate his own skillset and consider how best to utilise his style of play. Although Lin would more than likely thrive as the primary ball handler in the backcourt, both you and I know that a certain individual isn’t going to let that happen. If Lin wants to take this once in a lifetime opportunity by the scruff of the neck, he’ll need to continue to consider how he can coexist with a ball-hungry guard, and in this instance, it’s the Mamba. This two man tandem has the tools to succeed, now we’ll have to hope that the pair can orchestrate some on-court chemistry. Communication and coordination will be vital.

Speak with Kobe Bryant…….frequently.

On the subject of communication, Lin will need to be conversing with Bryant as frequently as possible over the course of the coming season. As a player with oodles of underutilized talent, Lin has an unbelievable opportunity to learn from one of the greats of the game. With Kobe’s supervision and guidance, he could soon evolve his offensive strategy and learn to channel his on-court aggression in a multitude of manners. This could well be the most intensive one year crash course that Lin will ever attend; he needs to make it worth his while.

Similarly, the partnership between Lin and Bryant will only be possible if both individuals have a game plan, an understanding of each other’s styles and clearly defined roles. Jeremy knows that Bryant won’t be able to carry the team any longer and Kobe must be aware that his old style of play won’t help him get any closer to that illustrious sixth ring. Succeeding is in both men’s interests. I’m certain that this duo can work, but developing a close friendship with one of the toughest men in sports is easier said than done.

Prepare for Linsanity v.2.

Upon first facing the bright lights of Los Angeles, Jeremy will almost certainly hark back to his days in New York. At the peak of Linsanity, he was one of the top faces on the Knicks, a buzzing topic on social media and one of the personalities of the game. In his roller coaster career, that was certainly one of the peaks. With the Lakers, Lin has a chance to rekindle that hype once again. Without diving too deep into the politics of the NBA, Yao Ming’s retirement left a void in the eastern market, one that Lin aimed to fill in 2012. After falling out of the conversation, he holds the key to his own destiny – the opportunity to become the media darling of the league, and what better place to fulfil these ambitions than Hollywood? Expectations for Lin may be high, but his own targets will surpass even our best ambitions. He’s looking to make a splash, whatever the cost.