The main focus for head coach Byron Scott moving forward is evaluating the young players on the roster for the Los Angeles Lakers. Among the young players are three rookies that could get consideration to be on the squad next season.
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At this point in time, Jordan Clarkson is a lock after proving his worth since becoming a starter for Coach Scott. Fellow Missouri product Jabari Brown has also turned heads in his short time in Los Angeles and will sign another 10-day contract, but for some, the jury is still out on newcomer Tarik Black.
After Thursday’s loss to the Utah Jazz, Scott was asked about Black and his strengths. Scott responded with a comparison to another player in the league that leaves it out on the floor every single night, according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Byron Scott compared Tarik Black to a Kenneth Faried type player, says his biggest strength is how hard he works on the floor
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 20, 2015
Although it is way too early to speculate on whether Black will be retained by the Lakers, the 23-year-old is getting his opportunity to shine in the final games of the season. Black has provided Scott with energy off the bench and in the starting lineup. The rookie could have a future in purple and gold as one of the few players on the team under contract (non-guaranteed) for next season.
Scott also talked about what he thinks Black needs to work on moving forward, via Winters:
Byron Scott on some things Tarik Black can work on: "his jump shot from 15 feet or so and his post up."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 20, 2015
Black had perhaps one of his best games as a Laker on Thursday with a team-high 13 points and 11 rebounds in 29 minutes on the floor. Impressive stats for the rookie considering his opposition in the paint going up against Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors.
[divide]VIDEO: Tarik Black After His Career-High Night