Los Angeles Lakers: More Growth For Jordan Clarkson

By Chris Walton | Mar 14, 2015

Nov 14, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) is defended by San Antonio Spurs forward Aron Baynes (16) at Staples Center. The Spurs defeated the Lakers 93-80. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The buzz continues within the organization and for their fanbase regarding Jordan Clarkson. The rookie point guard continues to grow and show signs that he belongs in the top tier when mentioning the 2014 NBA Draft Class. Everyone knows his story, how he came out of the University of Missouri as a talented prospect with a shaky jumper.

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No one thought that he would end up with one of the league’s most historic franchises, even with the team going through its current rebuild. For his value and contributions, being literally sold at the 46th pick is looking like highway robbery with every strong performance from Clarkson.

Clarkson recently one-upped Dante Exum in their head-to-head matchup, and followed that up with even more impressive games. Since he posted a then career-high of 22 points, Clarkson has scored in double-figures in sixth straight games at an average of 16.4 points per game.

To top off his steady production, Last week’s visit to the Memphis Grizzlies included a new career-high of 25 points on 12-of-18 shooting. Considering the big night came at the expense of one of the league’s best defensive guards in Mike Conley, Clarkson’s confidence is soaring at the moment.

The performance placed Clarkson in some elite company, as Lakers reporter Mike Trudell explained:

Jordan Clarkson is the youngest Laker to reach 25 points and six assists since Kobe on April 15, 2001, against Portland.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 7, 2015

It’s not only the scoring that stands out with Clarkson, but with each game, it’s obvious how much more cerebral he has become in comparison to earlier in the year. The growth of the feel for the game is evidenced in how he sets up the team’s offense. In five of his last six games, he has notched four or more assists in each contest, greater than the 2.4 that he is averaging on the season.

Clarkson is often considered a new breed of point guard, who’s athletic and looks for his shot first. His improvements in the area of getting the team involved only raises the ceiling of what he could become. As touched on earlier this season, the expansion of Clarkson’s skillset will have a profound effect on the Lakers’ future and fortune.

Lakers head coach Byron Scott is definitely enjoying what Clarkson is doing, especially with the team in its current state. Last night, Scott touched on what’s to come for Clarkson’s future and big performances, as he spoke with Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:

https://twitter.com/SerenaWinters/status/574053376490500096

A lot of game is left for Clarkson, indeed. There are 21 more games left in the season, and it should be no reason that Clarkson shouldn’t finish the year as a starter. Scott wanted to shift the rotation, but with Clarkson’s improving play, likely he won’t reduce his minutes. Clarkson is arguably playing the best basketball of any rookie not named Andrew Wiggins.

He actually joined the Minnesota Timberwolves swingman as the only other player this season to score 17 points in a half as a rookie. Years later, these two guys could end up being the best in their class despite coming to the league with different expectations. Clarkson has always believed in his talent as one of the best, and game by game, he plays to back that confidence up.

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