Lakers Could Keep Jeremy Lin With Bargain Long-Term Deal Next Summer

Asian-American point guard Jeremy Lin might stay with the Los Angeles Lakers beyond the 2014-15 NBA season, despite the fact that general manager Mitch Kupchack will be  looking for upgrades next offseason.

In an article on Jobs & Hires, the writer brought up the possibility that the Lakers might keep Lin longer than everyone expected. The former Harvard standout is in the final year of his current contract, making him unrestricted free-agent next summer.

"Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jeremy Lin is in the final year of his current contract, making him unrestricted free-agent next season. Although many basketball pundits think the Asian-American guard is going to be just a one-year rental for the purple-and-gold as they look for upgrades in the free-agency market next summer, there's a greater chance he would stay than leave Hollywood," via Jobs & Hires.

With the Lakers front-office trying to add talents in almost all position, the team could settle on re-signing Lin for a bargain price, perhaps a mid-level exception worth $5M to $7M per year, instead of landing the likes of Rajon Rondo, Goran Dragic or Brandon Knight.

"With a salary cap room of around $35M next summer, the Lakers are expected to spend a bulk of it for upgrades. All-Star caliber guards like Goran Dragic of the Phoenix Suns, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics and even budding playmaker Brandon Knick would certainly pique the interest of Lakers GM Mitch Kupchack."

"Then again, the Lakers might not look for a new point guard after all. Instead of spending $15 million per year for these incoming free-agents guard, Kupchack could use that amount of money to strengthen their frontline, which has been the biggest problem for the Lakers this season.

Averaging 11.8 points and 5.1 assists in 31 minutes per game this season, Lin had been playing well in the last seven games for the Lakers until a miserable outing against the Washington Wizards, as he went scoreless on 0-for-10 shooting with four rebounds and 5 assists in Wednesday's 111-95 loss.