Cleveland Cavaliers: What each new player adds to the team
By Ryan Piers
Jordan Clarkson
The Los Angeles Lakers spent the past four off seasons accumulating young talent in an effort to rebuild. Flashy names like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle, all of whom appear to be part of the Lakers’ future, were selected with early picks.
The odd man out might be better than any of the three. In his three-plus seasons as a Laker, Clarkson never averaged less than 10 points per game. The definition of consistency, he saw time in all 82 games last season, and 53 this year.
He might be in the middle of his best professional campaign as well. Despite a reduction in minutes, Clarkson is averaging 14.5 points, 3.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. Stretch that out to per 36 minutes, and he’s posting 22.1 points, 5.0 assists and 4.6 rebounds.
Clarkson recently torched the Pacers, scoring 33 points while adding seven assists. He flashed his speed, outside shooting and ability to attack with reckless abandon.
If this is the Clarkson Cleveland is getting, an added role player he is not. Clarkson has the ability to blossom into a lethal scorer that can stretch defenses and wreak havoc next to LeBron James. The Lakers might regret not trading one of their other young pieces.