Los Angeles Lakers: Youngsters Hold Their Own In Rising Stars Challenge

D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson did more than simply represent the Los Angeles Lakers in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge; they dominated.

Ah, the Rising Stars Game.

The underrated kickoff event for the annual All-Star Weekend festivities is notable because it often serves as a coming-out party for some of the league’s elite young players in an exhibition against their peers.

In some instances, it can provide some of the highlight moments of the entire weekend.

Exhibit A:

Fortunately for Los Angeles Lakers fans, the team was well represented in this year’s contest in Toronto, as the young backcourt tandem of rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell and sophomore 2-guard Jordan Clarkson suited up for Team USA in the challenge.

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While entertaining, the game subtly serves as a gauge for fans to size up the youngsters from their respective teams against some of the best in the league. In that respect, Clarkson and Russell sized up very well.

Clarkson started the game at the point guard spot and came out hot, hitting two straight three-pointers to start the game.  The former second-round pick was easily the MVP frontrunner in the first half, shooting 5-of-7 percent from beyond the arc on his way to leading Team USA in scoring with 19 points in the first half.

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He cooled off in the second half, but still finished with 25 points, five assists, four boards and four steals.

Russell, on the other hand, played a very familiar role Friday night, coming off of the bench and providing an instant spark for Team USA alongside Phoenix Suns rook — and close friend — Devin Booker.

Russell went 3-of-4 from three and dropped 11 points in the first half while Booker dropped 18 points, both of which helped Team USA take the lead from the World Team and taking that lead into halftime.

Russell started at point in the second half for Team USA and picked up where he left off, going for nine more points on his way to 22 points and seven dimes for the game.  He also amassed several highlight plays in the process, including this NBA Street-like play:

And this rimgrazing dunk:

Despite the fact that neither one was able to bring home the MVP award (that honor went to Zach LaVine with 30 points), the two were crucial factors in Team USA’s 157-154 win and not only represented the Lakers well, but showed a glimpse of the promise that had fans so excited about them pairing up at the start of this season.

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Plenty of reason for Lakers fans to celebrate.