In what has turned out to be a difficult season for the Los Angeles Lakers due to injuries (Julius Randle, Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant Xavier Henry who was cut, all out for season) and missing-out on free agents (Lebron to Cavs, Melo back to Knicks, Isaiah Thomas to Suns, Greg Monroe back to Pistons), the Lakers have found a player who is a bright spot.

Jordan Clarkson: The college years

Jordan Clarkson played three years in college — two years for Tulsa Golden Hurricanes and one year for the Missouri Tigers. Jordan Clarkson improved each season in college:

• His freshman year at Tulsa he averaged 11.5 points; 1.5 assists; 2.1 rebounds; 0.7 steals; and 0.1 blocks per game.
• His sophomore year at Tulsa he averaged 16.5 points; 2.5 assists; 3.9 rebounds; 0.9 steals; and 0.5 blocks per game.
• His Junior year at Missouri he averaged 17.5 points; 3.4 assists; 3.8 rebounds; 1.1 steals; and 0.2 blocks per game.
• While at Tulsa, Clarkson was a 47.1% shooter from the field; 34.8% three point shooter; and 78.8% free throw shooter.
• While at Missouri, Clarkson was a 50.1% shooter from the field; 28.1% three point shooter; and 83.1% free throw shooter.

Jordan goes to the NBA

Clarkson was selected 46th overall in the second round (14 picks away from the 60th and final pick in the 2014 draft) by the Washington Wizards and acquired by Lakers for cash ($1.8 million). He was not seen as a rotational player for the Lakers coming in with the acquisition of Jeremy Lin from the Houston Rockets to replace Steve Nash as starter and the signing of Ronnie Price who plays hard on defense.

As I mentioned earlier, the Lakers have dealt with a large amount of injuries this season. To try and re-energize the team, head coach Byron Scott has experimented with lineups throughout the year. Lin and Ronnie Price had their opportunities as starters during the first half of the season.

Full Speed Ahead:

Jordan Clarkson could be a bright spot in an otherwise dark season for the Lakers this year. By Mark Schierbecker (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

Clarkson has impressed Scott and the rest of the Lakers coaching staff and has a bright future with the team. As a 6’5″ athlete, he gets to the rim with ease and can pull-up on a dime and hit his jump-shot. He is continuing to learn the point-guard position and how to read defenses. His ability to create space to take shots for himself should help him create shots for others as well.Clarkson’s chance as starter came on January 27th against the Washington Wizards. In 37 minutes Clarkson scored 18 points, had 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. In his second game as a starter on January 29th against the Chicago Bulls (one of the best games the Lakers have played this season) he scored 18 points, had 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals in 43 minutes. In today’s game, Clarkson started agains the New York Knicks and scored 19 points, had 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in 34 minutes.

With the Lakers in re-building mode, they need to find players with the type of athleticism, shot-creating ability and potential on the defensive end that Clarkson possesses. Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson can develop into a nice one-two punch and core for the Lakers moving forward. With a potential top-five pick in the upcoming draft as well as owning the Rockets first round pick in the mid-twenties and two second round picks, the Lakers can find a few players to go along with Jordan and Julius becoming the young guns who bring enthusiasm and energy.

Maybe Clarkson is a bright spot in an otherwise dark time for the Lakers.