Top Three Reasons Why Jeremy Lin Could Get Most Improved Player Nod

With a little over a month before the start of the NBA season, many are already speculating on the direction of the new-look Los Angeles Lakers.

Kobe Bryant, one the game's most influential stars, and Steve Nash are back into the fold and are penciled in as starters prior to training camp. There's a surfeit of players that will wear the purple and gold for the first time: Carlos Boozer, Ed Davis, Wayne Ellington and the most fan friendly of the bunch, Jeremy Lin.

Nobody holds more hope for a better year than Jeremy Lin and in this feature we examine the top five reasons why the man who triggered Linsanity in new York could capture the Most Improved Player Award.

1. He will get a lot, A LOT, of opportunities

Lin was the starter of a surprising Houston Rockets in 2012 only to be relegated to a bench role and limited minutes in his second season in the Texas team. He spent last year backing up Patrick Beverly but still produced respectable numbers. In 28 minutes per game, he still registered respectable numbers of 12 points and 4 assists per game. Lin was included in the early discussions for Sixth Man of the Year award as he tallied career highs in field goal percentage (45 percent), free throw (82 percent) and three points (36 percent). Look for Lin to make the most of the opportunities given his way especially that Steve Nash is nearing the twilight of his career, turning 41 in February 2015.

Byron on Steve Nash: He's in the gym every morning, says he feels better than he's ever felt over the last two years. Unsure if Nash starts

— Bill Oram (@bill_oram) September 10, 2014

2. He is playing for his next contract

The Houston Rockets in a failed bid to acquire a third superstar (Chris Bosh) during the summer shipped off Lin to the Lakers along with a first round pick just to clear cap space. He will be receiving $15 million this year but only $8 million will count against the cap. With free agency restarting again next summer, expect Lin to up his game to attract more teams. In fact, he recently revealed that he has been working on his defence, one of the perceived Achilles heel in his game. We can expect something like 17 points per game and 6 assists, if the right opportunities present themselves.

3. The Lakers will be competitive with Bryant's return

Newly minted coach Byron Scott has been adamant that this is not a rebuilding season for the Lakers. And with the Black Mamba back in the fold expect the team to push hard and fast for a playoff spot. The Lakers are relatively thin at the back-up shooting guard spot with only Nick Young and Wayne Ellington spotting minutes. Young will also be utilized at the small forward spot, so expect Lin to take some minutes at the 2-guard slot which could provide more scoring breaks when Kobe goes to the bench to rest. This current roster lacks a lot of scoring and facilitating and Lin will be heavily depended upon to provide that.

If all things go as planned and if lady luck smiles upon the Lakeshow, expect Lin to be constantly in the discussion for Most Improved Player.