Oct 29, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) against the Phoenix Suns during the home opener at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers needed to find a potential long-term solution at point guard.
It isn’t that the Lakers want to bench Jeremy Lin. Through the first 20 games of the NBA season, Bryant and Lin on the floor have rarely clicked. Both guards have dominated the ball so much in a handful of Laker games, the front line completely disappears. When Bryant was Magic Johnson for a couple of games, Carlos Boozer’s game came alive. Jordan Hill scored more than usual. When Bryant reverted back to his scoring self and Lin couldn’t find rhythm, the Lakers simply lost games.
Lin needs a simpler roster around him to maximize his game. One finisher in the paint and several shooters can help create the spacing. That’s all that he needs. But, at least for now, the Lakers gave him a chance to shine. Nick Young shined off the bench for the Lakers and earned an long-term contract with the Lakers. He still plays big minutes. The same is possible for Jeremy Lin.