Jeremy Lin still believes the Los Angeles Lakers will still make it in the postseason despite having the worst start in franchise history, not to mention his relegation from starter to backup point guard.
In an interview with Slam Magazine, the 26-year old Lin did not have any second thought in saying the Lakers will be a playoff team at the end of the season, and it's just needs time for the team to realize their full potential.
"People probably think I'm crazy, but I don't really care. I think this team can make the playoffs," Lin said. "I believe in that and I know other guys believe in that as well. It's very early. People will laugh. That's fine. But I've always been a big dreamer and believe in miracles. I feel like God has performed miracles in my life."
Lin, who was relegated back to a bench role after starting for the first 20 games with the Lakers, admitted that he's having a hard time figuring out the system (Princeton offense) head coach Byron Scott implementing. Nevertheless, the Asian-American star is also aware that he has no choice but to stick with his coach's strategy and contribute in any possible way for the team.
"That's not what we have here, but that's OK. I feel like I'm further in my progress as a player where I can be effective in different ways," said Lin, who is in his fifth NBA season. "It's just a matter of seeing what your team has and what is your personnel.
"A spread run-and-gun, open floor pick-and-roll system might not be what's best for us given our personnel. It's just learning to play and be effective within whatever system Coach puts me in."
Lin is averaging at least 11 points and 5 assists per game through 21 games with the purple-and-gold. The Lakers acquired him along with a first-rounder last trade via trade with the Houston Rockets.
Many analysts projected him to be a breakout player for the Lakers this season, especially after Steve Nash went down with a back injury in training camp. Then again, his inconsistency on both ends of the floor made Scott decides to tweak his starting lineup a bit by putting him and Carlos Boozer on the bench in favor of Ronnie Price and Ed Davis.
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