Charlotte Hornets' Jeremy Lin (7) reacts after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015. The Hornets won 98-92. [Photo/IC]

TORONTO - During Charlotte Hornets' 104-94 loss against Toronto Raptors on Friday, guard Jeremy Lin was on the end of the bench sporting a two-piece tuxedo and glasses.

The 27-year-old Lin was forced to miss his second consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain.

Following the game, Lin took time to speak to Xinhua about the events that took place in the past year.

"I think I grew a lot as a person, I learned a lot about myself," said Lin. "I took steps in terms of slowing down and appreciating life instead of being so fixated on what I wanted to accomplish."

In 2015, Lin was part of a rebuilding Los Angeles Lakers team where he lost his starting role midway into the season in favor of developing younger players. After earning back his role, Lin was shortly forced to miss the remainder of the season with an upper respiratory infection.

"It was a tough year and I learned a lot. I can look back and be thankful for all the experiences."

In the offseason, Lin became an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career and was in full control of the next chapter in his career.

"When the free agency time came around, we had done a lot of homework and research before that to see what the potential best fits were," said Lin.

After playing in large markets his entire career in Golden State, New York, Houston and Los Angeles, Lin chose an atmosphere that was conducive to his development. On July 9, 2015, he agreed to a US$4.4-million, two-year contract with the Hornets.

"Of all the final options, I felt very confident in Charlotte, I'm just happy to be here."

The six-year veteran is embracing his backup role and is a key member of the 5th best bench in the league. Lin's 11.1 points per game average ranks second in the Eastern Conference among qualified players, trailing teammate Jeremy Lamb's 11.3 points per game.

Lin's mentality is about living in the moment and enjoying life.

"I'm just taking it one day at a time, that's just a part of me. Trying to enjoy each day," said Lin, who did not think too much into the future.

The most notable example is his spiky hairstyle that has drawn attention from fans all over the world.

"I'm just having fun with it. A lot of my friends and family have requested that I do something in a certain city or in a certain game," said Lin.

Rather than putting pressure of himself to replicate the success from near four years ago during the Linsanity period, Lin has found a cozy atmosphere in Charlotte and hopes he can continue to grow as a player and person.

"I'm going to keep work at some of the things I want to get better at and enjoy every day for what it's worth."