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5 Bold Predictions For Los Angeles Lakers’ 2016-17 Season

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jordan Clarkson
Dec 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dribbles against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Clarkson Earns An All-Star Appearance

Even with Brandon Ingram and Russell on the roster, I’m most excited to see what Jordan Clarkson can do with Kobe Bryant out of the picture. The former undrafted free agent has made the most of his opportunity with the Lakers, going from unheralded prospect to intriguing young playmaker.

I’m expecting him to take the next step in his maturation this season, emerging as a legitimate All-Star candidate.

Realistically, he’s the Lakers’ most reliable scoring option at this very moment. He’s also got an outstanding young point guard ready to help him shine, and an intriguing rookie wing who can take the defense’s focus off of him. What I think will really make the difference is the presence of Luke Walton, though.

The new Lakers head coach is more than capable of bringing out the best in Clarkson. He helped turn the Golden State Warriors into a record-breaking squad last season, and should be the driving force behind a resurgence for the purple and gold in the next few years.

The Lakers paid Clarkson to be a star this offseason, signing him to a four-year, $50 million deal. If he continues to improve and capitalizes on the abilities he was born with, he’ll be getting plenty of All-Star votes come February.

Next: A Trip To The Postseason For The Lakers?

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