Ranking The Los Angeles Lakers’ 5 Best Players Right Now

2. SG Jordan Clarkson

I was a bit surprised when I saw the news that Jordan Clarkson would be coming off the bench–at least to start the year. Because, in my opinion, he’s at least the second-best player on this roster heading into 2016-17.

It’s a bit shocking how the former second-round pick continues to fly under the radar. Clarkson was a revelation as a rookie, and kept his momentum rolling into his sophomore season despite the presence of Bryant and Williams. With Bryant out of the way now, the door is wide open for Clarkson to emerge as a star.

Based on what we’ve seen, he’s got the talent to do so.

Last season, he averaged 15.5 points, 4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game while making 34.7 percent of his shots from deep. Word on the street is he’s improved from long range this offseason, and has also seen a significant increase in his defensive efficiency on the perimeter (via InsideSoCal.com’s Mark Medina).

The sky truly is the limit for Clarkson. If he can capitalize on this opportunity with the Lakers and continue to develop as a playmaker, we could easily see him solidify his status as a rising star in Hollywood.