Jeremy Lin Rumors: Leaving The Los Angeles Lakers?

Will Jeremy Lin be leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after this season?

Jeremy Lin rumors have seemingly become commonplace, but the latest rumor circulating is worth noting — there are grumblings that Lin isn’t terribly happy with the Lakers system and coach Byron Scott feels that Lin isn’t a great fit.

The Orange County Register ran a piece that included quotes from both Lin and coach Scott about how his time in Los Angeles has gone. Surprisingly, Lin was more fond of what he had in Houston, as far as the system was concerned (though we know he wasn’t used as well as he could have been):

"Houston was the ideal system for me. Personally as a player in terms of spreading the floor, running and making plays and having guys with a lot of space, stretch fours. That’s the ideal system, but that’s not what we have here."

Lin is referring to the lack of perimeter shooting that currently plagues the 5-14 Lakers, as they are 22nd in the NBA in 3-point percentage (33.6) and just 24th in attempts per game (18.2) and makes (6.1). Without the threat of the outside shot, teams can sag and clog the lane, thereby eliminating Lin’s ability to create off the dribble.

Coach Scott essentially agreed with Lin’s statement, even throwing a subtle jab at Jeremy by mentioning his need to “develop point guard instincts.” Here’s the rest of the related quote:

"I think in the system he was in — in New York, the ball was in his hand 95 percent of the time, so he was able to run pick and roll and be able to get to the basket and get shots for himself. This system you have to get other people shots as well. You have to be able to do both. There’s a fine line at times."

While Byron isn’t incorrect, he’s failing to mention a very important facet of that offensive strategy — getting other people shots also involves them actually making them. Of players who have played more than 250 minutes this season, none are shooting 34 percent or better from the 3-point line. Only Kobe Bryant (47.1 percent) is shooting better than 40 percent from 16 feet to the 3-point line. How, exactly, would those “point guard instincts” help players like Wesley Johnson make jumpers?

What’s even more confusing to me is the fact that Lin is having a very solid year, with averages of 11.8 points, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 30.2 minutes per game. Considering what he’s got to work with (and the difficult task of keeping Kobe happy), how is that reason for concern?

Lin’s game is largely dependent on players who can make jump shots, because one of Jeremy’s strengths is getting to the basket and finishing. He’s currently shooting 63.8 percent inside three feet (Kobe is at 54.2 percent for some contrast), but Lin is going to be increasingly less efficient there if the defense collapses because there’s no threat of consistent perimeter makes.

While I originally thought Los Angeles was going to be a spot for Lin to shine, it’s becoming apparent that it might not be a great fit. We saw what happened when Lin was surrounded by shooters and had a green light in New York. We saw how effective he could be in Houston with shooters, but without as much freedom.

If Lin can find a team with shooters that also allows him the full freedom to create and attack the basket, he could be right back to being one of the brightest young (ok, he’s 26) stars in the game.

Next: NBA Power Rankings: Can The Lakers Slowly Creep Up The List?