Although there were plenty of new rookies and high profile trades for NBA fans to rave about, Jeremy Lin's transfer from the Houston Rockets to the Los Angeles Lakers may prove to be underrated.
According to Bleacher Report, Lin will be given more opportunity to play as a member of the Lakers, rather than aim to be the best sixth man, as he used to while in Houston.
Superstar Kobe Bryant is set to return in the upcoming season fully healthy but without former teammates Pau Gasol and Steve Nash. Bryant previously expressed how he admired the work ethics of Lin. Bryant said after Lin scored 38 points against the Lakers while playing for the Knicks in 2012, "A great story. It's a testament to perseverance and hard work. A good example for kids everywhere."
Some NBA experts speculate that there may be a "Linsanity 2" in Los Angeles, after Bryant and Lin work out the details of their team play. Previously, Lin did not adapt well with shooting guard James Harden who preferred isolation plays over ball rotation. With the Lakers, Lin will find himself necessary in terms of setting up his teammates and appreciate how the team prefers to rotate the ball first and provide the opportunity for open players to take a shot. Of course, he should primarily create a play revolving around Kobe Bryant.
Lin likes to drive hard to the basket, which usually does not work well in his favor, considering his size. With the Lakers, he will be playing alongside Nick Young and Julius Randle. Lin averages under 5 assists per game, which he needs to improve.
In a report by NBC, Lin will be given more playing time and will most likely be part of the starting five of the Lakers. Aside from team play advantages, Lin's contract is ideal with the Lakers' approach to stay financially flexible, just in case they need to get more players in the future.
In a report by KPCC, a lot of Asian-American fans are excited to have Lin join the Lakers. Many of them expressed in social media networks that they expect a second round of Linsanity. Many suggested that Lin be given the chance to shine again as a player as he did with the Knicks over two years ago. Lin's presence in Los Angeles is expected to increase TV ratings in the area.