The Los Angeles Lakers may have a lackluster season so far based on their 12-26 record, but for Jeremy Lin, he may have found a way to work with Kobe Bryant and Lakers coach Byron Scott.
According to a Facebook post from Time Warner Cable Sportsnet, Jeremy Lin has been named Player of the Week. Travelers Today noted that the 26-year-old point guard recorded 44 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds over three outings from Jan. 5 to Jan. 9.
"Our player of the week is Jeremy Lin, who had a well-rounded week of games for the Lakers," TWC Sportsnet wrote.
Travelers Today noted that Lin scored 14 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, which the Lakers lost 98-94 last week, and scored 12 points in another defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers 114-99.
"Lin capped the week with an 18-point explosion to help the purple-and-gold win against the Orlando Magic 101-84," Travelers Today wrote. "He shot 5-for-12 from the field and 5-for-10 from the charity stripe and added six assists, four steals and two blocks in 29 minutes of playing time."
Although Ronnie Price took Lin's starting job, his recent performance seemed to suggest that he has accepted Scott's decision to place him as a leader on the Lakers' second unit, according to Travelers Today. Despite that, he has been unable to escape trading rumors.
"Lin, who is playing the final year of his contract worth $15 million ($8 million against the payroll due to poison pill provision) is averaging at least 10 points and 4 assists per game this season," Travelers Today wrote. "He has been mentioned several times as a potential trade chip for the Lakers because of his significantly large expiring contract."
Travelers Today added that Lin could possibly wear the purple and gold jersey for the remainder of the season, which would give the Lakers "an additional $8 million in cap space to make a run for an elite free-agent next summer."
The point guard and Asian-American star talked with Serena Winters of Lakers Nation about working with the Lakers' second unit in a cohesive manner.
"I think we've been able to do some good things in the last few games," Lin said. "Ball has been moving and we've been playing a free and fun style."
Lin also elaborated on a video posted by Lakers Nation about the recent performances in regards to Nick Young's shooting skills. He expressed confidence in his fellow teammate, based on the efforts Young has put in so far to improve his game.
"He's one of those guys where I don't worry too much," Lin said. "It can change like that for him. He's a scorer. All he needs is one, and from there you open the floodgates."
Lin added that Young can shoot "four, five, six" three-point shots in a row.
"He's putting in the work. He's working hard. He's getting into practice before and getting into games before. He's doing what he can do. Sometimes it's just the ups and downs of the season," said Lin.
In response, Young talked about his shooting struggles to Lakers Nation.
"I just have to stop thinking so much and play my game," Young said. "Go out there, and have fun."
Young added that he had "to keep his energy high" no matter what happens on the basketball court.
"Being in the gym every night, I've started to think too much about it," Young said. "I got to go out there and play care-free, really. That's a part of my game."
