Predicting The Futures Of The Los Angeles Lakers’ Rising Stars

SG Jordan Clarkson: Top-15 Starter

Expectations weren’t too high for Jordan Clarkson when the Lakers made him a second-round selection a couple of years ago. However, it didn’t take long for the Missouri product to prove his worth as an exceptional starting guard.

Now, Clarkson moves forward as the unquestioned starter at the two spot with Kobe Bryant enjoying retirement. He’ll team with D’Angelo Russell to create a tremendous backcourt duo, and there appears to be a lot said tandem can accomplish.

At this moment, I believe Clarkson is a severely underrated asset for the Lakers. In only two seasons, he’s earned a significant role in Los Angeles and signed a shiny new contract this offseason.

The Lakers have seen the potential he possesses, and can now watch him unleash it with a new head coach in town and Kobe Bryant out of the picture.

With Clarkson’s scoring, relentless play and scrappy defense, there’s little reason to suggest he won’t develop into a star. Although some would say he didn’t take a step forward in 2015-16, he was limited by Byron Scott‘s offense and the presence of Bryant and Lou Williams.

That will change in 2016-17.

Clarkson takes over as the full-time starter, plays in Luke Walton‘s up-tempo offense and clicks with the Lakers’ other young stars. It’s an equation that should see him emerge as one of the NBA’s top 15 shooting guards in the near future.

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