Jeremy Lin and the Los Angeles Lakers may be having a tough start to their season, but they managed to beat the Atlanta Hawks 114-109 on Tuesday, improving the team's record to 2-9 after losing four straight games.
While Lin's performance in a purple-and-gold jersey have been considered underwhelming at best this season, his former Houston Rockets teammates think that he still has the potential for success. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, that success with the Lakers would come in part because of the struggles Lin faced in his professional career.
"Jeremy has been through so much thus far in his career, so much criticism," Rockets guard James Harden said. "It seems like every single year it's something different with Jeremy, but he's battled through it tough, like a warrior. I give him credit, whatever team he's on, he's focused on playing his role to the best of his abilities. There's no difference this year."
Even Rockets center Dwight Howard, who himself has recently faced withering criticism from fellow NBA players such as Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant, thinks that Lin has a chance to make a positive impact within the Lakers.
"Jeremy is a strong guy," Howard said. "He'll be able to overcome any situation. He played well for us. I'm sure he's going to give L.A. everything they want."
According to a Travelers Today article, Lin's performance on Tuesday has placed his critics on notice. One of those critics, Lakers head coach Byron Scott, has seriously considered making a lineup change if his team continued the losing trend.
Travelers Today also noted that the Asian-American star would have to work on his consistency, despite the fact his abilities occasionally shine through in some games.
"Lin is a talented player with the ability to rack up points and make his teammates better with his superb court vision," Travelers Today wrote. "However, it's also clear as crystal that he just can't thrive in a team that features ball-dominant wingman (Kobe in Los Angeles, James Harden in Houston, and Carmelo Anthony in New York)."
Lin has unfailingly cited his faith in God as a way to deal with the ups and downs of his professional career. In a personal blog post from Oct. 27, he shared how his Christian faith is helping him both on and off the basketball court.
"From a spiritual standpoint, God has been teaching me and challenging me to rest in His love and grace everyday," Lin wrote in his blog. "I have always been a "go-getter" type of guy who is focused on the next day, the next task or the next goal. God has been reminding me to stop and enjoy the relationship I have with him daily. In doing so, I will live life with more peace, joy and purpose!"
Lin added that he would keep Ephesians 3:20 in his heart, which states: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
The outspoken NBA player was a Bible study teacher at Harvard University's Asian American Christian Fellowship. Lin even mentioned in his blog that he formed a prayer group.
"The journey I've been on has had its ups and downs and I appreciate all of your support throughout," Lin wrote. "Some of you have asked how to pray for me so I decided to start a prayer group where I can send out requests for those that want to pray and support!!"
Lin then added that he has "consistently found peace with God" whenever he engaged in prayer.
