Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jeremy Lin just had one of his most productive showings in purple-and-gold uniform, scoring 18 points in Friday’s 115-104 loss to the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center.
But what intrigued NBA fans the most, especially his followers, was Lin’s actions towards the end of the game, when the laid-back Asian American star suddenly started exchanging heated words with Nets players following a basket by rookie forward Bojan Bogdanovic.
Lin, who scored 11 of his total point in the fourth quarter, was apparently not pleased by Bogdanovic’s decision of scoring another basket despite the fact the Lakers already conceded the victory to the Nets.
Out of frustrations, Lin confronted Bogdanovic and then traded words with point guard Jarret Jack over the issue. Lin’s action was so out of his character that it even surprised Yes Network’s color analyst Mike Frattelo and play-by-play broadcaster Ryan Ruoco. Fratello then defended Bogdanavic’s late-game shot, stressing it all happened because they started double teaming Alan Anderson.
In the end, the Nets came out on top to improve their regular-season record at 22-31, keeping them in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. On the other hand, the bleeding continues for the Lakers after they suffered their seventh straight loss and 41st of the season.
After several attempts to land point guard Goran Dragic via trade, the Lakers ultimately gave up in their pursuit because of the Suns’ high asking price (two first-round picks). Dragic, who was traded to the Miami Heat in a three-way blockbuster trade in the 11th hour of Thursday’s deadline, still sees the Lakers a perfect fit for him in this summer’s free-agency.
As for Lin, the Lakers’ decision to stand pat might have kept him in Hollywood for now, but there’s no assurance he will stay for a long haul.
The 26-year old Lin will become an unrestricted free-agent at the end of the season, and based on the reports by multiple sources, it’s unlikely he will renew his relationship with the Lakers. Nevertheless, there are already several teams expressing desire to sign him, including the team that sent him to Los Angeles last summer – the Houston Rockets.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
