Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Byron Scott Benched Jordan Clarkson Because Of Defense On Ty Lawson
Lakers News

Byron Scott Benched Jordan Clarkson Because Of Defense On Ty Lawson

Corey Hansford
Published: 02/11/2015
2 Min Read
SHARE

Ever since he was named a starter before the Los Angeles Lakers game against the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson has been one of the few bright spots for a Lakers team that has lost 14 of their last 15 games.

— Think You Know Everything About Kobe Bryant? Take The Ultimate Kobe Quiz! —

Tuesday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets, however, was not one of Clarkson’s finer performances as Ty Lawson torched him for 32 points and 16 rebounds leading to Byron Scott benching Clarkson down the stretch. Scott explained his reason for benching Clarkson according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:

Scott on subbing Lin in for Clarkson at 1:11: "The fact that he wasn't guarding him (Lawson), giving him too much space, too much respect."

— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 11, 2015

Clarkson has faced off with the likes of John Wall, Tony Parker, and Kyrie Irving, but Lawson definitely seemed to give him the most trouble so far. For his part, Clarkson did agree with Scott’s assessment of his defense via Winters:

"I was terrible on defense tonight." – Jordan Clarkson

— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 11, 2015

At 6’5″ and blessed with excellent speed and lateral quickness, Clarkson has all of the physical tools necessary to be a great defender. Mentally, however, is where he struggles and experienced players can take advantage of him much like Lawson did.

With Byron Scott, defense is always the most important thing. Even though Clarkson might struggle with decision making on offense, his defense can not afford to slip and his game against the Nuggets was an example of that.

[divide]

Jordan Clarkson Says Guarding Ty Lawson Was A “Welcome To The NBA” Moment For Him

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?