In a recent episode of the podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” Jeremy Lin, the former New York Knicks star, addressed long-standing rumours that he had a romantic relationship with reality television personality Kim Kardashian. The speculation primarily surged during the height of Lin’s meteoric career rise known as “Linsanity” in February 2012. Lin, now 37, looked back on the media frenzy surrounding the claims and provided some insight into what had transpired during that period.
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Lin recounted how he stumbled upon the headlines that proclaimed, “Kim Kardashian Wants to Date Jeremy Lin.” Podcast host Pablo Torre delved into archival footage from 2012, showing Lin responding to questions about his experiences with the paparazzi during that whirlwind moment in his career. He candidly described some of the tabloid stories, saying, “I don’t know where that came from,” and expressed his bewilderment at being tied to Kardashian. When asked if he considered himself “the Kim Kardashian type,” Lin shared a hearty laugh and dismissed the notion with a simple, “No.”
The origins of the rumour were brought to light during the podcast. Lin mentioned that he had received information suggesting that Kardashian had indeed requested a meeting with him at that time. He remarked, “That request did come into the Knicks and it is a real request,” indicating that there was some legitimacy to the claims. He suggested that Kardashian, then in the process of filming her reality show, sought to connect with a New York athlete, hinting that the request was made when she was filming either “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” or “Kourtney & Kim Take New York.”
However, Lin clarified that the Knicks organisation was quick to decline the request, emphasising their protectiveness over their young star. “The request came into the Knicks and they immediately declined it without even asking because they were like, we’re not allowing our young, second-year player to go down this route right now,” he explained. Torre echoed Lin’s sentiments, revealing that the Knicks were particularly cautious about how they managed Lin’s image and media interactions amid his unexpected rise to fame.
Fast forward a decade, and Kardashian is currently in a relationship with Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton, while Lin has settled down with his long-time partner, whose identity he has chosen to keep private. The couple reportedly tied the knot in January 2023, later welcoming their first child together. Both have moved on from the speculation that once stirred significant media attention.
Lin also took a moment during the podcast to reflect on his own relationship with fame. In a previous interview, he expressed that the public spotlight associated with “Linsanity” was not always comfortable for him. He shared that he intentionally distanced himself from the production of “38 at the Garden,” an HBO documentary that chronicled his breakout season with the Knicks, opting instead to only watch the final cut.
The former basketball star emphasised the importance of his legacy in the context of the Asian American community. “I would want my fans to walk away remembering that this was my experience, and they got to witness it, but my story could be their story,” Lin stated, highlighting the connection many felt with his journey, particularly among those from similar backgrounds.
Not one to shy away from the basketball scene, Lin was recently spotted attending Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, where the Knicks faced off against the San Antonio Spurs. Unfortunately for Lin and the Knicks, they lost the game 115-111, concluding a thrilling yet challenging match at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks had previously taken the lead in the series but now prepared for an important upcoming game that could shape their pursuit of the NBA championship.
As the latest chapter in Lin’s life unfolds, it is clear that both he and Kardashian have chosen paths that reflect their personal growth and life choices outside of the limelight. Lin has embraced the joys of family life and the responsibilities that come with it, while Kardashian continues to navigate her star-studded existence alongside her new relationship. The intriguing speculation from years past serves as a reminder of the impressive surge in Lin’s early career, which remains an inspiring story for many.