NBA player Jeremy Lin (林書豪) yesterday said he hopes to enhance his accuracy shooting three-pointers and in defense before the new season begins, adding he hopes to learn from teammates Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.
Lin, the first NBA player of Taiwanese descent, who was recently traded by the Houston Rockets to the Los Angeles Lakers, told a press conference in Taipei yesterday that he is excited to have joined the Lakers and thinks it is a great opportunity.
Though the Lakers have yet to suggest the skills he needs to improve, Lin said he and his trainer have been working this summer on his ability to throw floaters, as well as three-pointers. He has also been strengthening his defensive play and controlling the ball with his left hand. He added that he hopes to raise his three-point percentage to 40 percent.
Photo: CNA
Lin, on a one-week stay in Taiwan, also commented on how he felt after he learned that Carmelo Anthony, the New York Knicks’ star player that the Rockets were pursuing, had been pictured in a No. 7 Rockets jersey, the number worn by Lin.
“When I knew that they used my number [and gave it to Anthony], I was not particularly upset. I just felt it would have been better if they had respected me a little more, but my parents have taught me ever since I was young that God loves me, which is the most important thing,” Lin said. “I should not care about whether people are nice to me or not. I was happy to be traded to the Lakers, which is a great opportunity.”
Recalling his experiences with the Rockets over the past two years, Lin said it was a little bit different from what he had expected.
“When I joined the Rockets, I did not know that James Harden and Dwight Howard would come on board as well,” he said. “Neither did I imagine that I would spend most of the time on the bench in my second year. I did not think my role would be so insignificant or unimportant, but I think God has a perfect plan and I believe in him.”
Lin still gave credit to the Rockets for teaching him the importance of being a well-rounded player, rather than just dribbling the ball and playing “pick-and-roll” as he did with the Knicks.
Regarding future teammate Bryant, who is known as a demanding player and who only recognized Lin’s existence after Lin scored 38 points in one of the Lakers’ games against the Knicks in 2012, Lin said he is looking forward to being on the same team with him and learning from him.
He also said that he wants to learn from Steve Nash, who he said is one of the best and smartest point guards in the NBA.
Answering all reporters’ questions in Mandarin throughout the press conference, Lin said he is more at ease now in dealing with the Taiwanese media because he can speak Chinese and feels less pressure to do well in every game.
“My motivation now is not how my teammates, media, fans or even haters want me to play. I am older now and only want to play for God,” he said.
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