Lin, now 37, recalled a specific game where he was on pace for a career night—only to be benched for no basketball reason.
“I’m not gonna name the organization as I’m not trying to throw anyone under the bus, but there was one specific game where it really hit me. I had 20 and 10 after three quarters, and we were up by 15 to 18. In the fourth quarter and overtime, I didn’t play a single second.”
“So I’m looking at the assistant coach, watching our lead go down. I’m on pace to have a really nice game, and he goes, ‘Yeah, we got a call from above, you are out for tonight.’ I was like, ‘What? Who picked up the phone? How’d you get on the phone?'”
Lin said another teammate who had 25 points after three quarters was also benched. The team ultimately lost in overtime.
The Suspect Teams
Lin played for eight NBA teams over his career, but two stand out as potential culprits: the 2014-15 Los Angeles Lakers (21-61 record) and the 2016-17 Brooklyn Nets (20-62 record). Both seasons featured teams deep in rebuilding mode with little to play for except better draft positioning.
The Lakers that year had Kobe Bryant, but he was 36 and coming off major injuries. It’s unclear whether the franchise would have risked tanking with him on the roster—or whether Bryant would have tolerated it.
The Context
Tanking has long been an open secret in the NBA. Teams with no playoff hopes often rest healthy players down the stretch to improve their lottery odds. The league has fined teams for it, most recently the Utah Jazz, but proving intent is nearly impossible.
Lin’s account suggests something more coordinated—a direct order from above to pull winning players to ensure a loss.
The Kobe Connection
On the same podcast, Lin also shared a revealing story about his time with Kobe Bryant. He claimed Bryant stopped speaking to him for months after Lin called him out over his leadership style.
The combination of stories paints a picture of Lin’s NBA journey as far more complicated than the highlight reels suggest.
The Reaction
Lin’s comments have already sparked calls for investigation. If true, they would confirm what many fans have long suspected: that some losses are orchestrated, not accidental.
The NBA has not yet responded to Lin’s allegations.
The Bottom Line
Jeremy Lin is not a guy known for making waves. He’s thoughtful, measured, and careful with his words. For him to drop this now—years after retirement—suggests he’s been sitting on this for a long time.
Whether the league investigates or sweeps it under the rug, Lin has done his part. The truth is out there.
Now someone just has to follow it.