Jeremy Lin is excited to face his former team when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Houston Rockets on opening night of the 2014-15 NBA season.
The Lakers-Rockets match, which is scheduled on October 28 at the Staples Center, will feature the showdown between former teammates Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard, who did not have a harmonious relationship during their one-year partnership in Los Angeles.
But while all eyes will be on Bryant and Howard, Lin said in an interview that he believes he is a subplot for the upcoming match because it will be his first game in a Lakers uniform against his former team.
"To be honest, I think I'm a subplot," Lin said via Lakers Nation. "I'm glad, but it's not an opening night centered around me. It's more Kobe and Dwight."
Lin was traded to the Lakers earlier this summer after spending two seasons in Houston where he signed after his breakout season in 2012 with the New York Knicks. The 26-year-old point guard said that he expects the feeling to be similar to what he felt during his first game against the Knicks following his move to Houston.
"It kind of reminds me of me going back to New York. Every time I go back to New York now, it's not really as nearly a big of a deal," Lin said. "It was James versus Melo, and now it's Kobe versus Melo. So, I do think it'll be fun. It'll be interesting. I think we're all pretty excited for the game."
Lin, who averaged 12.5 points to go along with 4.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game last season, could start at point guard for the Lakers next season depending on Steve Nash's health.
Aside from providing backcourt stability, Damon Salvadore of Latin Post believes that Lin will bring excitement to Lakers fans in the upcoming season.
"For a franchise that has won 16 championships and five since 2000, things seem much worse. Injuries, coaching changes and poor performances have overshadowed any signs of great play. Bringing in Lin will certainly revamp the entertainment at the Staples Center for the Purple and Gold," Salvadore wrote. "With the Clippers currently the best team in Los Angeles, Lin will be needed to bring the Lakers back to greatness."
