Jeremy Lin was recently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the former Houston Rockets point guard might just be a one-season rental for the Lakers.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak recently said that the trade with the Rockets allowed them to acquire a solid player in Lin, while also maintaining financial flexibility and getting a pick that could be a big factor in their rebuilding efforts.
"This trade allows us to acquire a solid player who will make us a better team, as well as draft picks to improve our team in the future, while at the same time allowing us to maintain financial flexibility," Kupchak previously said in a statement. "In addition to what he'll bring us on the court, we think Jeremy will be warmly embraced by our fans."
Boston Globe's Garry Washburn recently reported, though, that the Lakers are highly interested in acquiring a big-name free agent next summer after a failed attempt to sign Eric Bledsoe, and that acquiring Lin could just be a preparation for big free agency moves next summer.
"Although the Lakers already acquired former Harvard standout Jeremy Lin and his $14 million salary for this upcoming season, it was only to create more space next summer. Bledsoe could have been the team's point guard of the future," Washburn wrote.
Lin, who averaged 12.5 points to go along with 4.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds last season, will be playing in the final year of his contract next season. Although he is set to earn around $15 million next season, cap hit is just around $8.4 million.
Lin's acquisition could be similar to how most executives viewed the team's signing of Carlos Boozer, who was claimed by the Lakers via the amnesty waivers.
Boozer, who averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game last season, and Lin could help the Lakers bounce back from a disappointing year, but their future in Los Angeles is uncertain.
Most NBA analysts are convinced that the Lakers just want to become competitive this season then make another run at signing big-name free agents next season.
The Lakers tried to lure superstars LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, but they failed to land either of the two, while also losing veteran center Pau Gasol to the Chicago Bulls.
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