Jordan Clarkson Outduels Dante Exum

By Chris Walton | Feb 27, 2015

Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against David Lee #10 and Andrew Bogut #12 of the Golden State Warriors on October 9, 2014 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images /

The continuous comfort and growth of Los Angeles Lakers’ rookie Jordan Clarkson brightens the dark of one of the franchise’s worst seasons. As the season loses much of its competitive meaning, the Lakers shift towards development is progressing. Clarkson is learning the nuances of the game and impressing fans on a nightly basis. Wednesday night’s victory against the Utah Jazz highlighted his 13th start of the year.

Surprisingly, Clarkson placed his imprint all over the game, and his performance was matched up against last year’s fifth overall selection, Dante Exum. Of course Clarkson was drafted 41 picks later by the Washington Wizards, who then sold his rights to the Lakers. Things look to have paid off for the team.

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The added significance between both rookies starts with Exum’s ties to the Lakers. Prior to his entrance into last year’s draft, Exum was a possible target for the storied franchise. As it played out, Exum wouldn’t last until the seventh pick, which Los Angeles used to draft Julius Randle.

Exum also signed with Rob Pelinka, agent to Kobe Bryant. Exum was obviously a higher item on the wishlist, but Clarkson seems to be what the team needed in terms of youth and athleticism.

Clarkson approaches his game with an added chip, mostly resulting from his late selection in the NBA Draft. Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News discussed Clarkson’s mentality going into the game:

Jordan Clarkson said on draft night he thought he was picked too low. Conceded he had plenty of motivation tonight going against Dante Exum
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 26, 2015

He ended the game with a career-high of 22 points and a monstrous finish over Exum.

Clarkson’s athletic finish was not his only highlight of the evening. He showed plenty of smart plays and an improved jump-shot. An efficient 62.5 percent shooting from the floor, including off-balance jumpers and shots from separation, illustrated how much Clarkson has worked on his shooting.

Early in the first half, Clarkson displayed a probe before drawing the defense and kicking it to Carlos Boozer for a wide-open jumper. He did a fantastic job of not allowing a double-team to cause a turnover. These plays show how much Clarkson has grown from much earlier in the year.

So what did Exum do on the night? It was nothing close to the spectacular outing by Clarkson. He only had one basket (three points) and three assists on the evening. The two weren’t matched up much during the game, but the competitive connection lingered. Of course these performances will be seldom during Exum’s career, and he can only hope the same for Clarkson when matched up.

The game between both players will be revisited over the years. Exum will certainly improve, just as well as Clarkson. Things will be exciting for fans from both teams. Right now, Clarkson holds the upperhand with more opportunity due to injuries and the team’s state.

Regardless of either of their circumstances, the Lakers are happy. With each great performance from their rookie point guard, it means one less personnel decision to ponder on, as the team already has reinforcement for the future. Clarkson keeps it up and he will be in line of the great Laker lineage.

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