Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the team’s top 3 scoring threats in 2017-18
3. Jordan Clarkson, PG/SG
Jordan Clarkson may not be the most well-rounded player on this Lakers roster. In fact, if it wasn’t for his offensive value, he might not even be the roster at this point. Based on his defensive rating from 2016-17, he would have been among the worst guards in the NBA a season ago.
Still, what he does bring on the offensive end makes him well worth keeping around.
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Last season, Clarkson was one of the most efficient scorers the Lakers had. His 18.1 points per 36 minutes are the most among current players left over from last year’s roster. His effective field goal percentage of 50 isn’t great, and his 3-point shooting is average at best. Still, the guy knows how to put the ball in the basket.
Especially in a bench role, Clarkson should shine as the leader of the second unit. He’s a quality combo guard who can assume the scorer role on the wing, or take control of the offense at the point. Although not nearly the same talent Lou Williams is as a scorer, the Lakers will be hoping for something similar from the former second round pick in 2017-18.
Maybe even a low-key candidacy for the Sixth Man of the Year award?
Clarkson may seem like an underwhelming option as the No. 3 scorer, at least on the surface. However, we’ve seen that he can put up big points when given the opportunity. He had 17 games of 20 points or more last year, and I would expect him to at least match that this season.