Los Angeles Lakers: Jeremy Lin is the Franchise PG

Marketability

Like it or not, part of being a star athlete in Los Angeles is the ability to thrive off-the-court. Being a marketable figure not only helps a player’s brand, but that of his team and teammates.

If nowhere else, that’s where Jeremy Lin thrives.

Outside of teammate Kobe Bryant, there aren’t many NBA players with a bigger presence on the massive Asian continent than Lin. He’s the first ever Taiwanese-American player in NBA history and remains a popular international figure.

Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers does nothing but raise his profile.

Los Angeles county has a massive Asian-American community. Without bringing race too far into this conversation, Lin has struck a cord in that regard.

Outside of the Asian demographic, Lin is a rightfully popular athlete. He’s a likable figure who has a strong media presence and a comedic side to him.

Even his YouTube channel has a strong following and a series of both insightful and comical videos.

All in all, Lin is incredibly marketable.

Not only did that play a major factor in his massive jersey sales with the New York Knicks, but it helped him nearly achieve an All-Star Game appearance in 2013.

Los Angeles rivals New York as a major sports market, thus creating the potential for another period of Linsanity.

All that Lin has to do is turn back the clocks and play as he’s capable of playing.

Even teammate Kobe Bryant was a victim of Linsanity.

Through thick and thin, Lin’s rabidly loyal fan base will stand by his side. Not only will they voice their support via social media and game attendance, but they’ll put money into his merchandise.

Whether it should or shouldn’t be, that’s the icing on the cake for why Lin is the Lakers’ new franchise point guard.

Next: Is Kobe Bryant the Greatest Player in Los Angeles Lakers History?