LA Lakers Roster Problems: Jeremy Lin Needs to Touch Ball More Than Kobe

The Los Angeles Lakers expect Jeremy Lin to be more aggressive.

In a report by SB Nation, Bryant previously told Lin after the Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns on October 30, "You got to run the offense. I'm telling you to run the offense and you got to do it."

On November 16, the Lakers lost to the Golden State Warriors 136-115, going 1-9 in the season, despite Kobe scoring 44 points. Lin did not score in 22 minutes, taking only a couple of attempts, based on a report by the LA Times.

Sportige.com noted that Lin's stats are not excellent so far in the season. He averages 13 points and 4.8 assists per game. Even though his three-point percentage improved to 38.5 percent, he is not a better player than he was in Houston. He may have realized by now how difficult it is to play next to Bryant who cannot seem to stop shooting.

In the same report by Sportige, Lin's numbers per possession is not bad. The offensive rating is at 111 while defense is at 119. The Lakers actually play faster and run more with Lin handling the ball. However, he only manages to make plays once every six or seven possessions, considering how the rest is left to Bryant to attempt another shot.

According to Rant Sports, the Lakers currently have few options when it comes to playmakers, considering how Steve Nash and other guards are injured. Jeremy Lin is actually very effective when he handles the ball. He showed some promise from pick-and-roll plays with Jordan Hill and Carlos Boozer. He is also able to break the defense every once in a while, with great finishes close to the basket.

Rant Sports continued that the problem lies with Kobe Bryant hogging the basketball. Because the veteran guard tends to hold the ball longer than Lin, the latter is not making his presence felt. Instead of being passive to Bryant, Lin should demand for the ball to relieve some of the load off their superstar.

The Lakers can also opt to put in Lin or have him run the offense when Bryant is on the bench. The bench players can primarily rely on Lin as the playmaker when Bryant is not around. Lin can be the key to an effective transition between the starting five and the bench players.

Overall, Lin needs to increase his confidence to help the Lakers stay competitive. He needs to score more and encourage teammates to make shots, giving them open looks and obliterating the defense through assists and quick plays. Simply put, Linsanity has to start again.