The Los Angeles Lakers did sign an NBA talent with the initials L and J, after all, on Friday.
Kobe Bryant owes Jurgen Klinsmann an apology
It's just that those initials stood for "Lin" and "Jeremy," instead of that other guy who announced he's going home.
ESPN LA is reporting that the Lakers acquired point guard Jeremy Lin and future first-round draft selection from the Houston Rockets. The Rockets are clearing cap space in an attempt to sign Miami Heat free agent Chris Bosh.
That other Miami Heat free agent, LeBron James, got the process rolling earlier Friday by announcing that he was returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, signaling the end of the Big Three dynasty in Miami.
Another ESPN report Friday stated that the Lakers' other free-agent target, Carmelo Anthony, now is deciding whether to remain with the New York Knicks or sign with the Chicago Bulls.
According to a tweet from the Orange County Register's Bill Oram, Lin is psyched up about the move to Los Angeles.
Jeremy Lin's agent says point guard is "thrilled" with LA move. Feels valued by Lakers, excited to play with Kobe.
— Bill Oram (@bill_oram) July 11, 2014
The 25-year-old Lin averaged 12.5 points and 4.1 assists off the bench for the Rockets last season. He shot 44.6 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from 3-point range, both career highs.
The Lakers agreed to the acquisition because Lin has just one year left on his contract, which will free up money for the team when it heads into free agency next summer. The draft choice also helps, especially considering that they traded away their first-round picks in 2015 and 2017 to the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic as part of the trades for Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, respectively.
It may not be the move Lakers fans were hoping for, but it does give the Lakers a capable point guard if Steve Nash's injuries prevent him from playing. The Lakers needed a reliable point guard after sending Steve Blake to Golden State at the end of last season.
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