Jeremy Lin Finally Explains the Kim Kardashian Rumour
More than a decade after Linsanity swept New York, Jeremy Lin is finally explaining one of its stranger subplots.
The former Knicks guard, now 37, appeared on the podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out on Tuesday, June 9, and was asked about the most unusual paparazzi moment of his career. His answer brought up a story that briefly consumed tabloids in early 2012: the rumour that he and Kim Kardashian were dating.
Lin laughed it off at the time. He had a more detailed explanation this week.
What Lin Said About the Kardashian Request
Lin told host Pablo Torre that he cannot personally verify the full story — but shared what he was told afterward about how the rumour may have originated.
"So this is what I've heard and I don't know if it's true or not," Lin said, according to The Sporting News. "I've heard that request did come in to the Knicks and as a real request."
According to Lin, Kardashian's team was reportedly looking for a New York-based athlete to appear on one of her television productions — at the time she was filming both *Keeping Up with the Kardashians* and *Kourtney & Kim Take New York*. Lin speculated that producers were seeking a prominent local sports name for the show.
The Knicks, however, never relayed the request to Lin. "The Knicks immediately declined without asking us," he said. "They were like, 'We're not allowing our young second-year player to go down this route right now.'"
Torre confirmed the protectiveness from his own experience, noting: "They would not let me interview you. That's how protective the Knicks were of you at the time."
Lin was careful to note the limits of what he knows. A representative for Kardashian did not respond to a request for comment from People magazine following the podcast's release.
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The Linsanity Context
The timeline matters. Lin's Linsanity run began in February 2012, when the undrafted Harvard graduate — who had been sleeping on a teammate's couch in New York — suddenly became the most searched person on the internet after a series of improbable performances for the Knicks.
As ClutchPoints noted, the social media clip of Lin explaining the situation was shared by the Pablo Torre Finds Out account on X on June 10 and spread rapidly — connecting Linsanity nostalgia with the current NBA Finals moment involving the Knicks.
Lin was in attendance at Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals at MSG on June 8 — his first trip back to the arena for a marquee event since his playing days with the team. The Knicks lost to the Spurs 115-111 in that game, narrowing their series lead to 2-1.
Kardashian went public dating Kanye West approximately one month after the Linsanity run began — a timeline Lin did not address directly.
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Where Lin Is Now
Lin has built a quiet but full life since his NBA career ended. He shared in 2023 that he had married two years prior, and in 2024 announced the birth of his first child. He remains active in the public conversation around Asian American representation in professional sports and is the subject of the HBO documentary *38 at the Garden*, which chronicles his famous 2012 season.
The podcast appearance — timed during the Knicks' first NBA Finals run in 27 years — draws a direct line between the franchise's most culturally resonant modern moment and its current pursuit of a championship that would end a 53-year drought dating back to 1973.
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Key Takeaways
- Jeremy Lin, 37, appeared on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast on June 9 and addressed the Kim Kardashian dating rumours from his 2012 Linsanity run.
- Lin said he was told a request came into the Knicks from Kardashian's team for a New York athlete to appear on one of her television shows.
- The Knicks declined the request without consulting Lin — he said they told him afterward.
- Lin stressed he cannot independently verify the story, and Kardashian's representative did not respond to People magazine's request for comment.
- Lin attended NBA Finals Game 3 at MSG on June 8 — his first return for a major event since his Knicks tenure.
- Lin married in 2021 and welcomed a child in 2024; he remains active in sports media and advocacy.
Sources
- The Sporting News via Yahoo — Jeremy Lin Reveals Crazy Story Behind Kim Kardashian Dating Rumor
- People via AOL — Jeremy Lin Addresses Kim Kardashian Dating Rumors
- Us Weekly via Yahoo — Kim Kardashian Once Tried Dating Jeremy Lin
- ClutchPoints — Jeremy Lin Sets Record Straight on Kim Kardashian Rumors
