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Jeremy Lin Excited To Play With Lakers, Kobe Bryant


EL SEGUNDO (CBSLA.com) — Linsanity is coming back to Southern California.

The Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday introduced their newest point guard, Jeremy Lin, who was acquired from Houston on a trade July 13.

Lin, who was born in Torrance, will wear Andrew Bynum's old number, 17, this season, the same number he wore when he played for the Knicks two years ago.

"I'm really excited to be part of this organization," said Lin. "I see it as a fresh start. It's good to be back to California."

Lin had some opportunities in the past to play with some good players while his time in Houston and New York. Last season, he played with scoring machine James Harden, but this year it'll be a little different; he'll play next to Kobe Bryant.

Bryant was one of the first players to welcome him to the Lakers and first to tell him that they have "a lot to work to do."

It will be a battle between Lin and former MVP Steve Nash for the starting role at point guard. Nash battled back injuries most of last season and was limited to 65 games over two seasons.

Last season with Houston, Lin averaged 12 points and 4 assists.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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