2016 NBA free agency: 5 worst fits for Jeremy Lin

By John Buhler | Jun 29, 2016

Mar 22, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) reacts after a three point shot against the Brooklyn Nets during second half at Barclays Center. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 105-100.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 6

Nov 26, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) defends during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. player. 20. . West. Pacific. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are the first of a handful of former Lin employers that would be horrible fits for him in 2016 NBA free agency. Lin spent an awful 2014-15 NBA season with the Lakers before rebounding with a great year backing up Kemba Walker in Charlotte last year.

Lin might be a more confident player hitting free agency this summer than when he was the mediocre starting point guard for the Lakers two seasons ago. However, would he really want to go back to a rebuilding situation in Los Angeles and fight for playing time?

Though the Lakers don’t really know if 2015’s No. 2 overall pick D’Angelo Russell is a point guard or shooting guard because former head coach Byron Scott didn’t play his young players enough in last year’s season of complete dysfunction, the belief is that new head coach Luke Walton will want to give Russell every opportunity to succeed at point guard before going in another direction.

Being that Lin is good enough to start on at least the five worst teams in the NBA, the Lakers certainly qualify in that regard. However with the Lakers being presumably all-in on the rebuild after striking out in land a top-tier free agent this summer, it would be wise for Lin to go to a place that will give him ample playing time and a longer contract than what the Lakers would offer.

Next: 3. Atlanta Hawks.

Home/Atlanta Hawks