Lakers Roster News: Jeremy Lin Wears 'Linsanity' #17 in LA

Point guard, Jeremy Lin, is excited to have a "fresh start" with the Los Angeles Lakers after being traded by the Houston Rockets.

The Los Angeles Lakers shared that Lin will be wearing jersey number 17, which was the same number he wore while playing with the New York Knicks during "Linsanity." In a report by Focus Taiwan, Mitch Kupchak, general manager of the Lakers, officially introduced Lin as part of the team.

He previously wore jersey No. 7 with the Houston Rockets, which was somehow marred by controversy after the Rockets tried to woo Knicks star, Carmelo Anthony, into joining them by editing a photo of the forward wearing Lin's jersey number. Jersey number 7 in the Lakers is worn by Xavier Henry. The last Laker to wear No. 17 was Andrew Bynum.

Lin said, "I'm really excited to be a part of this organization and I'm seeing this as a new start, a fresh start."

Lin shared that it was a good time to wear the number again, hinting that he will have a more active role with the Lakers. Should Steve Nash experience troubles with his health, Lin will be ready to step in. Previously with the Rockets, Lin was somehow forced to take on various roles, with more minutes spent on the bench.

In a report by CBS Sports, Lin garnered a lot of attention during the lockout season in 2011-2012. He had a sudden breakout, dubbed as "Linsanity," during that season where he averaged 14.2 points and 6.2 assist while playing almost 27 minutes per game and starting in 25 out of 35 games. When he found himself in the starting five at that time, he averaged 18.2 points and 7.7 assists. His performance made him the only player to do so since 1970.

Acquiring Lin gave the Lakers financial flexibility. He will be joining superstar, Kobe Bryant, in the upcoming season and shared that he is excited to start training with key players in the team. Kobe Bryant also expressed how he admired Lin's work ethics. The Lakers also got a future first-round and future second-round pick for the 2015 draft as they gave up center, Sergei Lishchuk.

Kupchak said, "(Lin) came to Los Angeles a week ago for his physical and we had a chance to visit in my office. The first thing I said to him when he sat down in my office was: The third time's the charm."