NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers Should Unleash Jeremy Lin

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By @pjacobosports

Jeremy Lin Los Angeles Lakers

Chris Nicoll- USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers are on pace to keeping their top five protected pick away from the Phoenix Suns. They currently hold a small cushion over the Orlando Magic for the fourth worst record in the NBA. They’ve lost Steve Nash, Julius Randle and now Kobe Bryant for the season due to injury.

It’s time for this 12-win Laker team to turn Jeremy Lin loose; it’s crunch time for Lin. He’s had a regrettable first year in Los Angeles so far. He lost his starting job to Ronnie Price due to the team’s poor play. He has endured criticism from Byron Scott, Bryant, media members and Laker fans.

The time has come for the Laker organization to let Lin run the team. At this point, they have nothing to lose – this roster is not talented enough to win many games.

With Bryant out of the picture, Lin is free play to play his style of basketball. He’s still 26 years old and could still be of use to the organization. He burst onto the scene with the New York Knicks three years ago, and he had a fantastic stretch of games that electrified Madison Square Garden.

Lin was excellent during “Linsanity” because he controlled the pace of the game. He’s a ball-dominant guard who is most effective when he’s allowed to make decisions with the ball. He’s played next to three ball-centric players in Carmelo Anthony, James Harden and Bryant, and he’s been ineffective.

After Bryant went down against the New Orleans Pelicans, Lin responded with 14 points and six assists against the Houston Rockets. He shot 22 percent from the field, but got to the free throw line 14 times. He was aggressive from the start, which is a good sign for the Lakers.

Lin is dangerous when he utilizes his 6-foot-3 frame against smaller point guards. He has speed and good dribbling skills to get around his man. When he penetrates the defense, he’s able to create open shots for his teammates. Lin is making 43 percent of his shots and is shooting a career-best 36 percent from three.

If anything, the Lakers should play Lin to increase his trade value. If he recaptures some of that MSG magic, it can be a win-win situation for the club. They can either trade him for something of value, or they can re-sign him to a generous deal next season.

Kobe’s body will not allow him to carry the team anymore. Kobe can still be effective as a facilitator. This may be the final opportunity for Lin to find his place in the NBA. He has 37 games left to prove his worth to the Lakers.

Pablo Jacobo is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @pjacobosports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.

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