Monday night was Kobe Bryant’s last game in Charlotte, which is notable because it was the Hornets, and not the Lakers, who drafted Bryant No. 13 overall in 1996. Bryant got a big introduction, and a video message from Michael Jordan, before he took the court.
Hornets reserve Jeremy Lin watched, anonymous, which to him is bliss. Not long ago Lin was the NBA’s biggest sensation, but he says he’s having more fun than ever right now backing up Kemba Walker.
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"I have a lot of people saying, 'Man, you're smiling a lot more on the court.' I am having fun out here," Lin told The Los Angeles Times.
Last season Lin was toggling in and out of the Lakers’ starting lineup, and he became something of a whipping boy for Bryant, who was frustrated with the Lakers’ constant losing. Lin was warm to Bryant though, clearly at peace with that phase of his career.
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"I told him during the game, 'Man, I'm happy for you. I hope you're at peace because you deserve what you're getting,'" Lin said.
Lin is averaging 11.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 25 minutes a night. He ranks fifth on the team in PER (16.0), and most importantly, he’s on a team with a chance to make the playoffs.
"We're in the playoff hunt. Obviously it's good to be back on the winning side of things," Lin said. "I want to keep growing as a player. I've learned a lot here already, just under [Steve Clifford’s] system and his defense stuff. He's really good."
There have been calls for Lin to be put in the starting lineup, and he did erupt for 35 points in his second start of the year. But right now Lin’s role is set, and it’s working. Lin isn’t complaining.
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