Jeremy Lin news offers relief for fans as his condition following a sprained left ankle was upgraded to game-time decision on Thursday's match against the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant envisions Linsanity as a defensive stopper for the LA Lakers.

LA Lakers coach Byron Scott dished out Jeremy Lin news to ESPN as he said that the 6-3 point guard's injury wasn't as serious as first thought.

"He probably plays in there Thursday but today he was walking a little gingerly and did some more treatment today," he said.

Jeremy Lin sat out Sunday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, with Steve Nash starting the game. His injury is just the latest that hit the squa after Nick Young, Jordan Clarkson, Xavier Henry and Ryan Kelly.

"In early exhibition you want to see as many guys as you can. Unfortunately for Jeremy, and obviously for Nick, it gives other guys an opportunity," he told ESPN.

Meanwhile, in other Jeremy Lin news, Kobe Bryant told Inside Socal that he has high goals for the newest Lakers member.

"Jeremy's biggest challenge, which he loves, is I'm really going to challenge him to be a great defensive player because he can. He has the speed. He has the length. He has the size. But he's never had to take on that challenge to be a great defensive player," the future hall of famer said.

Jeremy Lin, meanwhile, acknowledged the mentorship role that Kobe Bryant has played in his career.

"He's pushing me and demanding a lot from me. He's definitely taking a mentorship role with me on the court. That's something I don't think I've had in my previous four years in the league. It's nice to have somebody pushing me, helping me and teaching me the tricks. It's also nice when he's one of the best to ever do it, even on the defensive end," he said about the Jeremy Lin news.