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Los Angeles Lakers: Jeremy Lin is the Franchise PG

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 29, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) against the Phoenix Suns during the home opener at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) against the Phoenix Suns during the home opener at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) battles for the ball with Phoenix Suns guard Gerald Green (14) and Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) during the first half at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) battles for the ball with Phoenix Suns guard Gerald Green (14) and Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) during the first half at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Kobe’s Protege Part II: Commitment to Defense

As previously alluded to, both Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report and Mark Medina of The Los Angeles Daily News have covered Kobe Bryant’s mentorship of Jeremy Lin. The common theme has been an important one.

Bryant is looking to turn Lin into a great defensive player.

"“Jeremy’s biggest challenge, which he loves, is I’m really going to challenge him to be a great defensive player because he can,” Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said. “He has the speed. He has the length. He has the size. But he’s never had to take on that challenge to be a great defensive player.”"

Lin shares Bryant’s focus.

"“It starts with me at the top and being aggressive,” Lin said. “I have to be at the top of the key and not let guys get comfortable.” “That’s pretty much all I talk to him about on the court,” Lin said. “He’s pushing me and demanding a lot from me. He’s definitely taking a mentorship role with me on the court. That’s something I don’t think I’ve had in my previous four years in the league.”"

There isn’t much preventing him from becoming a great defensive player.

Lin, 26, is a 6’3″ and 200-pound point guard. He’s not the most explosive leaper, but he’s agile and possesses great foot speed, which are critical factors on defense.

With length, strength and quickness, Lin should already be one of the better defensive point guards in the league. The only true impediment has been his commitment—or lack thereof—to that end of the floor.

Already a strong ball-hawk, Lin has a career average of 1.3 steals in 27.3 minutes per game. He’s also improved as a help defender, dropping down to the paint to provide double-teams on low-post scorers.

The hurdle for Lin is becoming a legitimate lockdown presence. With Bryant, a 12-time All-Defense honoree, as his mentor, Lin has the leadership to help him improve.

As for the rumors that people don’t want to play with Bryant, you can cross Lin off of that supposed list.

"“That’s important and something I love,” Lin said of Bryant’s presence. “It’s a blessing he’s here in the same locker room.”"

The sky is the limit.

Next: Fair or Foul, This Matters

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