The Lakers officially acquired guard Jeremy Lin from the Houston Rockets, and it turned out the deal included more than acquiring a 2015 first-round pick.
The Lakers also picked up a heavily protected 2015 second-round pick from the Clippers that was previously traded to the Rockets. The Lakers will only receive the pick from the Clippers if the draft selection falls between 51 and 55 overall. Meanwhile, the Lakers have traded away the rights of overseas player Sergei Lishcuk. He was acquired by the Lakers in a 2011 deal that involved shipping Sasha Vujacic to the former New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn), while Joe Smith went to the Lakers through Houston.
“This trade allows us to acquire a solid player who will make us a better team, as well as draft picks to improve our team in the future, while at the same time allowing us to maintain financial flexibility,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “In addition to what he’ll bring us on the court, we think Jeremy will be warmly embraced by our fans and our community.”
Lin, who has averaged 11.9 points and 4.8 assists a game over his four-year career, arrived in Los Angeles on Saturday to take a physical. But he soon returned to China to continue a previously scheduled appearance with Adidas. Lin’s $14 million expiring contract includes a salary cap worth $8.3 million.
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Jeremy Lin acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers from Houston Rockets
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