HOUSTON – The gratitude over Jeremy Lin and Mike D’Antoni experiencing “Linsanity” spills out in different ways.
After granting Lin the chance to morph from an anonymous player to a star that took New York by storm, D’Antoni received an invitation this fall to attend the “Linsanity” documentary. After adding a feel-good story to an otherwise dreary Knicks season two years ago, Lin received permission this summer from D’Antoni to work out at the Lakers’ practice facility. At several points during the season, the two exchange text messages.
“We’ll always have a special bond,” Linsanity said, “because of everything that happened.”
Lin became the first first American-born NBA player of Taiwanese descent and the first Harvard product to play in the NBA since 1954. Lin went on a six-game stretch in which he scored at least 20 points. His heightened play left Golden State and Houston guilty for passing on him before the Knicks picked him up. The Rockets made up for their mistake by signing him last year to a three-year, $25 million deal. Fast forward a year later, and Lin just penned an endorsement deal with Adidas.
Lin says he’s seeing a similar thing take place with Lakers guard Kendall Marshall. The Lakers signed him because of a depleting backcourt, and Marshall has taken advantage of the stint. In his three starts, Marshall has averaged 15.6 points and 12.67 assists. The Lakers also kept him on the roster, ensuring he will make $547,570 this season and a non-guaranteed $915,243 next season.
“He’s done a great job and a phenomenal passer,” Lin said of Marshall. “He’s a smart smart player. He’s definitely taking advantage of the opportunity and all the injuries that they have and have done a good job. I think people are happy for him.”
RELATED:
Nick Young assessed with a sore back
Pau Gasol’s viewing of “Lion King” musical disrupted because of false trade report
Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com