The Los Angeles Lakers may have a chance to have another player aside from Kobe Bryant starting in February's All-Star game in New York City, with Asian-American star Jeremy Lin in perfect position to gain support of both his huge international followings and hardcore purple-and-gold fans.
Lin, who just arrived in Hollywood few months ago as a product of offseason trade between the Lakers and the Houston Rockets, might have a 'golden' opportunity to take his career to another level in new uniform.
Coming two up and down seasons with the Rockets, the 26-year old Lin is expected to thrive under the wing of former NBA Coach of the Year Byron Scott - who is known to be a point guard-oriented player.
His competition with ageing point guard Steve Nash could also open a window of opportunity for him to get the starting role in the team. Nash, former two-time NBA MVP, is reportedly in tip-top shape coming into the new season but Scott is expected to give him lesser role in order to keep him fresh deep into the year.
But beyond the role Lin will be assuming for next season, playing with the Lakers alone has already accomplished half of the job for him to finally become an All-Star next season.
How? It's because of the Lakers' massive fanbase that could back up his already growing following abroad. According to Basketball Insiders writer Alex Kennedy, Lin might have a really good chance to sneak in as an All-Star starter despite having inferior stats compared to other elite guards in the Western Conference.
"However, even with so many talented point guards and shooting guards in the conference, don't be surprised if Jeremy Lin ends up being a starter for the West All-Star team come February," Kennedy stated in his article.
"Before you do a spit take and call me crazy, hear me out. With the combined support of Los Angeles Lakers fans and international followers, Lin will certainly be in the mix for an All-Star nod."
Averaging 12 points and 4 dimes in a backup role for the Rockets last year, Lin's rise to All-Star level would be a major turnaround for a player who is just looking to find a perfect place where he can be a major contributor.
Now, Lin is in a cusp of greater achievement in a career no one expected to flourish in the big league about four years ago.
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