Newcomer Jeremy Lin made his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night in the team’s preseason win over the Denver Nuggets. Although Lin wasn’t a force offensively, scoring one point while going 0-for-6 from the field, the 26-year-old did a great job of getting his teammates involved with a game-high 10 assists.
With the first week of training camp in the books, Lin was asked about playing alongside Kobe Bryant and what sets him apart from other superstars he’s played with. Lin said the following about the five-time NBA champion, via Bill Oram of the OC Register:
Jeremy Lin played with Melo and James Harden. What sets Kobe apart? "How hard he works and his attention to detail."
— Bill Oram (@bill_oram) October 7, 2014
Lin burst on the scene back in 2012 with the New York Knicks while playing alongside Carmelo Anthony. The following year, Lin signed with the Houston Rockets and shared the backcourt with James Harden.
Despite playing with these other perennial All-Stars, Kobe has definitely made an impression on the 26-year-old over the summer, via Oram:
Lin on Kobe: "The stuff that he thinks about or talks about, only someone who is really trying to analyze every single thing…" (1/2)
— Bill Oram (@bill_oram) October 7, 2014
Lin: "about the game would be able to understand something like that." (2/2)
— Bill Oram (@bill_oram) October 7, 2014
There’s no question Kobe is a freak of nature in terms of sheer determination. The veteran guard prepares for games like no other player in the league and that has resulted in building an incredibly resume that few can compare to.
Kobe’s dedication to his craft can become contagious with teammates like Lin taking notice. Young players with a desire to improve and learn from the best will greatly benefit from playing alongside the future Hall of Famer and Lin could be one of many on this current roster to soak up the knowledge this season.
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In 21 minutes on the floor last night, Kobe scored 13 points and five assists. A solid outing for a 36-year-old that hasn’t played since December of last year.
During training camp and scrimmages, Kobe has impressed the coaching staff and teammates with his play and relentless work ethic. After looking great in his first preseason outing, Kobe seems to have vindicated all the high praise from the practice facility and has many second guessing whether to count out the Lakers heading into the 2014-15 NBA season.
[divide]Kobe Bryant After His First Game Back
