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Los Angeles Lakers Giving Jeremy Lin the Chance He Deserves

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By @AnthonyBeers

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Getty Images

Most people on the planet have heard of Linsanity one way or another. Point guard Jeremy Lin‘s rise to fame was one of the most jaw-dropping, inspiring underdog stories the NBA had ever seen. Fans know the story of his time with the New York Knicks where he went from couch surfer to team savior, days from being cut to buzzer-beaters and NBA glory. Lin had the best start to a career in the history of professional basketball.

It wasn’t long before controversy ensued. The circus-like media atmosphere aggravated fans and players. The Knicks elected not to re-sign Lin even though they had previously alluded to doing so. Lin signed with the Houston Rockets for a three-year, $25 million contract. Knicks star Carmelo Anthony referred to Lin’s contract as “ridiculous,” and the Knicks signed Raymond Felton. Today it is extremely clear the Knicks made the wrong decision.

In Houston, Lin was treated terribly. Lin’s talents took a backseat to James Harden‘s, who is a very porous defender. If the two of them were ever on the same court, Lin may as well have not even been there. With center Dwight Howard, many predicted the Rockets to be a championship contender. The lack of team chemistry and boring offensive strategies proved that vision to be flawed. The struggles between Harden and Lin as teammates were quite vivid. In a game where Harden was out against the San Antonio Spurs, Lin scored 38 points while shooting 9-of-16 from the field. Lin’s talents were always there, they were just never utilized.

In the past offseason the Rockets wildly pursued Anthony during his free agency. Outside of their arena, there were billboards with Anthony in a Rockets jersey wearing Lin’s No. 7. The message was wildly clear: Lin was on his way out of Houston. Shortly after the Rockets traded Lin to the Los Angeles Lakers to make room for free agent Chris Bosh, whom ended up re-signing with the Miami Heat. Lin is now on his fourth NBA team, his third since Linsanity.

Despite Lin’s worldwide popularity he has never truly been embraced. His explosive play as a Knick only occurred due to the team running out of options. His time with the Rockets was crippled due to their coaching schemes and a lack of chemistry with Harden. If any team is going to embrace Lin, it will be the Lakers.

The stage is set for Lin to generate the success he’s capable of. Lakers guard Steve Nash is sidelined due to back injuries, so Lin will be the team’s starting point guard. There will be no turmoil between Kobe Bryant and Lin while they’re on the court together. Lin already has Bryant’s respect, and Bryant is desperate to make the best of what may or may not be his last season as a pro. The speed and explosiveness of shooting guard/small forward Nick “Swaggy P” Young complements Lin perfectly. Lin’s speed to beat opposing defenses in transition has always been one of his best attributes. The team will have rebounding and defensive presence from players like Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill. There really isn’t any doubt that this team’s roster depth has improved from last season.

Most importantly, the California boy is back home. Lin has been on a ludicrous path to get where he is today. The Harvard graduate is the smartest man on the court. He deserves better than the childish drama he saw from pampered stars like Anthony and Harden. Fortunately the Lakers are the first team in Lin’s career that is fully committed to him representing the franchise. He is not a sideshow or an attraction for fans. He’s a true NBA level point guard. He will have success with the Lakers, and there won’t be anything linsane about it.

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