Jeremy Lin Enjoying Career Year with Struggling Lakers

Although the Los Angeles Lakers are the worst team in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference with a current record of 3-13, point guard Jeremy Lin remains unfazed.

In current 2014-2015 NBA season, Lin is playing about 30.5 minutes per night. So far, he averaged 12.6 points, 5.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Although he had better scoring averages before, he is only attempting 8.9 shots per game, most likely due to Kobe Bryant being so trigger-happy. ESPN reported that in his last four games, he improved his stats by scoring 16.8 points per game, plus averaging 6.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals. He had a field goal percentage of 56 in his last four outings.

A report by Fansided.com revealed that Lin has steadily been improving in his past few games. Albeit short from bringing Linsanity Part Two, the point guard reached new career highs in 3-point shooting with .383, field goal shooting with .490 and effective field goal percentage with .552. He also improved his midrange shooting by 4.9 percent from the 3 to 10-foot range, by 8.7 percent from the 10 to 16-foot range and by 5.7 percent from 16 feet to the 3-point range.

In the same Fansided.com report, Lin is also shooting better with defenders. When shooting without any defenders or if the opponent is more than six feet away, he shoots 50 percent. When shooting with a defender four to six feet away, Lin ups his percentage to 62.5.

Although the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied to defeat the Lakers 120-119 on November 28, Lin had a good time. He takes control of the ball whenever Kobe's not around. In another report by Fansided.com, at one point during the third quarter, the Lakers were ahead 71-66 with less than eight minutes remaining. As the Lakers ran towards the other end of the floor, Lin tossed a long beautiful alley-oop from half-court towards Wesley Johnson, who finished with a two-handed jam to the delight of the Staples Center crowd.

Even though the Lakers are currently among the worst defensive teams in the NBA, being 30th in defensive rating and points allowed, Lin upped his defense. Inside the 3-point arc, Lin reduces his opponent's shooting opportunity by 2.1 percent. Within 10 feet from the basket, he reduces it further to 5.9 percent. Within six feet, he continues to harass opponents by reducing their shooting opportunities by 6.1 percent. Lin, however, needs to guard three-point shooters better. Overall, Fansided reported that Lin has become an asset for a losing Lakers team.