Jeremy Lin finally addressed Kim Kardashian dating rumors from 'Linsanity' era
The 37‑year‑old guard recalled the gossip that had erupted in February 2012
Jeremy Lin finally addressed one of the strangest headlines that had swirled during his meteoric rise with the New York Knicks: speculation that Kim Kardashian wanted to date him.
On a recent episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, the 37‑year‑old guard recalled the gossip that had erupted in February 2012, when “Linsanity” dominated sports and pop culture. “Stuff about me dating Kim Kardashian. I didn’t know where that came from,” Lin said, laughing off the memory.
Torre had pressed further, noting that even he never learned the “origin story” of the rumor. Lin offered his own version: “So this is what I’ve heard and I don’t know if it’s true or not… That request did come into the Knicks and it was a real request. I think basically, she at that time was filming her show… looking for a New York athlete to kind of be on this show essentially.” According to Lin, the Knicks had quickly shut it down, unwilling to let their breakout star be pulled into reality‑TV storylines.
Knicks’ Protective Stance
The anecdote highlighted how tightly the franchise had guarded Lin during his breakout season. Torre himself recalled being denied interview access at the time, a reflection of the team’s effort to shield its second‑year player from distractions.
Where They Stood Afterwards
Lin, who revealed in 2023 that he had married his longtime partner and welcomed a son, remained a respected figure in basketball circles and most recently attended Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Kardashian, meanwhile, was in a high‑profile relationship with Ferrari Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, stepping out in Monaco earlier this month to support him at the Grand Prix.
Legacy of 'Linsanity'
Though Lin previously admitted he had never been fully comfortable with the spotlight, his story continued to resonate. His HBO documentary 38 at the Garden highlighted both his impact on the Knicks and his role as a trailblazer for Asian American athletes. “My story could be their story,” Lin said of fans who had lived through the frenzy.
