Jeremy Lin: Knicks Organization Must Do Whatever It Takes to Retain Linsanity

We already knew the New York Knicks had their hearts set on re-signing star point guard Jeremy Lin, but it appears they already have their pocketbooks set on it as well.

It's still too soon to officially ink Lin to a new deal. He won't even be eligible to do so until July 1 at the earliest, and that ultimately hinges on the outcome of David Stern's appeal of the arbitration decision that would award Lin his Bird Rights.

That hasn't stopped NYC's top dogs from giving Lin a few things to think about in the meantime—and a few delicious things at that. 

According to TMZ Staff, Lin was getting the royal treatment in Los Angeles, a marginally subtle reminder of what this team is willing to spend on 2012's success story of the year:

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Woodson -- who just took over the team at the end of regular season -- seemed pretty chummy with Jeremy as the two exited Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills ... one of the best (and most expensive) restaurants in town. 

But Woodson didn't come alone -- Knicks stars Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler joined the two for dinner.

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We may not know what Lin ordered, but you can bet it wasn't the chicken.

And sure, the breakout celebrity already moved on up to that Trump Tower in the sky, but who doesn't appreciate a little wining and dining?

Woodson and Company may have some work to do selling Lin on the long-term vision of a title-contending version of the Knicks. It might just take a few more fancy outings to finishing convincing him.

The conspicuously absent Amar'e Stoudemire—who was busy hosting the Nike Skills Academy in Chicago—has three years and over $63 million remaining on his contract, a stumbling block for any attempts to improve New York's roster.

Lin got a taste of the endless drama he'd face in the Big Apple this season, so it's critical that the Knicks brass also offer him a taste of New York's advantages—and yes, that means more than a taste of Beverly Hills' finest steaks.

Throwing money at Lin is only the first of James Dolan's priorities.

He also has to show Lin that this organization is capable of stability, a borderline mythical concept in New York. For all the talent general manager Glen Grunwald has on his hands, there's still the sense that this team isn't yet what it needs to be.

Can 'Melo and Stoudemire coexist? Outside of Landry Fields and Iman Shumpert, will Lin be surrounded by youth with whom he can grow over the years? Are we sure that Woodson can use Lin as effectively as Mike D'Antoni?

In short, the Knicks have some explaining to do—and they haven't started a moment too soon.