Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jeremy Lin has revealed that while this past season in the NBA was "possibly the toughest year" of his life, his Christian faith served as a tremendous source of strength and comfort.
In a speech given at Hong Kong's Chinese University on Sunday, the 26-year-old Taiwanese-American athlete reflected on the past season, which he said didn't quite go as planned.
"During the first five games, how many did we win? That's right, zero," Lin said from the stage of the 1,438-seat auditorium. "After 20 games I was benched. We finished the season 21-61, which set a franchise record for the most losses."
Despite his team's lack of success, Lin explained that the difficult season only strengthened his relationship with Jesus Christ.
"The key to real success isn't about me - it's about Jesus," Lin said. "That's what I learned in the last season: success doesn't work around my little circle.
Lin, who is expected to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after his three-year expires at the end of this season, added, "That was possibly the toughest year of my life. But one thing, to me, was that it really drew me closer to Christ. Sometimes you have to lose something to see and appreciate what you really have."
During a question-and-answer session, a young woman proceeded to ask Lin about his love life, specifically inquiring when he will get married.
"This will be God's arrangement. I have no idea now," the athlete responded.
The South China Morning Post revealed that before his appearance at Chinese University, Lin went sightseeing at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and visited the Adidas "Sports Base" erected at the Central harbourfront as part of his tour across Asia.
Earlier this week, Lin flew to Taiwan, where he will spend some time coaching at a basketball camp that is expected to be attended by 60 high-school basketball players from around the nation.
"Thanks to all the Taiwan fans who stayed until 1 am to welcome me at the airport!!" Lin wrote in a Facebook post addressed to the dozens of fans who greeted him at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Monday morning.
Before embarking on his tour across Asia, Lin also left a message in Chinese on his Facebook fan page stating he is praying for those injured in an explosion on Saturday night at a water park in Taipei. He also urged fans to stay safe when hanging out this summer.
