One of the most promising young players for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the 2014-15 NBA season is rookie guard Jordan Clarkson. Although fellow rookie Julius Randle has grabbed most of the headlines this off-season, Clarkson has made an impression early with his work ethic.
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With Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash being the perfect mentors for a rookie guard, Clarkson has the opportunity to soak up the knowledge in his first season in Los Angeles. The Missouri product said the following during media day about playing alongside the two veterans:
“It’s great. It’s a learning experience. Being around two Hall of Famers is a good learning experience.”
After a solid outing in the Summer League back in July, Clarkson has already peaked the interest of new head coach Byron Scott. The rookie’s versatility has shown Scott that he has the ability to play both positions in the backcourt potentially giving the team’s second round pick a shot to get some minutes sooner rather than later.
Clarkson also talked about his versatility and what he views himself as:
“Playmaker. A guy that makes plays. I can score the ball. I can pass.
“Just try to do a little bit of everything.”
With the Lakers signing in a few veterans guards last week, Clarkson will have his work cut out for him in terms of earning minutes. Los Angeles brought in Ronnie Price and Wayne Ellington for some insurance in the backcourt, but both players are on non-guaranteed contracts and may not make the final roster.
All indications at this point seem to favor Clarkson getting into the rotation during the upcoming season. A strong showing in training camp and preseason will only help matters for the rookie as he competes with journeyman like Price and Ellington.
[divide]Lakers Media Day 2014: Byron Scott Says Kobe Is ‘Far From Retiring’
