The Benefits of Jeremy Lin on the Laker Roster
By Mike Garcia
Dec 4, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after being called for traveling during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 90-87. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers needed cap flexibility.
While the Lakers were in pursuit of Carmelo Anthony this past summer. giving up Pau Gasol for nothing allowed team cap to drop dramatically. Carmelo would have been an afterthought if Gasol wasn’t let go. While Pau Gasol is completely reviving his career as a Chicago Bull, he simply didn’t look like himself the past two seasons as a Laker. Health was an issue. However, as a Bull, he looks like his All-Star self. He looks just as strong as the Pau Gasol that powered through two championship runs with the Lakers. There’s more to it than just a change of scenery.
Jeremy Lin’s contract expires at the end of this season. If he is let go, the Lakers are free of an extra $8 million off of the team cap. As much as we love to see Jeremy Lin succeed, wouldn’t we want a potential All-Star through free agency to carry the team instead?