Jan 19, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) reacts as he collides with NBA referee Tony Brothers in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Will the Lakers trade Jeremy Lin by the trade deadline? For what?
Kulik – Lin is gone. The coach does not like him, as evidenced by the fact that he routinely reserves for Lin his harshest criticism even after games when the whole team was awful. Lin came to the Lakers to start, and that is not going to happen with Scott as the coach. In fact, Lin does not play much anymore at all. Lin came to the Lakers with great optimism that he could resurrect his career as a starting point guard, but by now he is clearly disillusioned. In my opinion, Lin is the Laker most likely to be traded by the deadline if there are any takers offering anything at all of value.
Patterson – Lin won’t be traded simply because he probably isn’t wanted by any other teams. No team trying to win will want Lin on their team, as he has shown that he has an inconsistent jumper, and is a liability on defense. Even the aspects of his game that were supposed to be his “strengths”, are nearly non-existent. When he does drive, it usually ends up in a wild shot, or a turnover. Another weakness of Lin’s game that was revealed, again, was his inability to play off the ball. This was a large reason as to why the Rockets traded him, because he and Harden could not play on the court at the same time. Lin’s expiring contract may be a bit attractive, but I don’t think Lin is drawing much interest.
Lin came to the Lakers with great optimism that he could resurrect his career as a starting point guard, but by now he is clearly disillusioned
Burden – Ah, Jeremy Lin; in my eyes, this season’s biggest disappointment. Lin is right, he has had to “wear a lot of different hats”, but his lackadaisical offensive output and generally uninspiring style of play really lower the hammer on what has been, so far, a season void of any promise. Plenty of teams need a man at the point: the Pacers, Bucks, Hornets (?), dare I even say the Knicks, Rockets and Grizzlies?! OK – perhaps I’m being far too optimistic, but a handful of groups could do with Lin on a good day, but whether or not Lin has any good days is the million dollar question. His value? At this moment in time, a second-round pick. Will he be traded? It depends how desperate some teams get.
Gilbert – Very doubtful. Two things will work heavily against the Lakers trading Lin: 1) His extremely inconsistent play this season and 2) his high salary. Given both of those, I just can’t see any team willing to give up any real assets (even a second rounder) for him.
Morales – There’s not a market for Lin only because of his high salary. Teams would have to give up a mid-range salaried player. Rarely are those bench guys and the ones that are have longer contracts than what the Lakers want to invest. Keep him for the rest of the season.