The Los Angeles Lakers seem to have a keeper on their hands in point guard Jordan Clarkson. The second-round pick was recently named Western Conference Rookie Of the Month, and has been one of the Lakers best players since the All-Star Break.
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Clarkson still has a long ways to go in his development, however, and head coach Byron Scott has spoken with the rookie about modeling his game after Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
Byron says he's talked a lot to Jordan Clarkson about studying Chris Paul and modeling game after him
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 5, 2015
Paul is viewed as one of the best all-around point guards in recent memory. He is an excellent passer who makes his teammates better, can take over the scoring load when necessary, and has the capability to lock down the other team’s opposing point guard.
Clarkson could learn a lot from watching Paul, especially from a passing standpoint. Clarkson has surely improved throughout the season, but consistently getting his teammates baskets the way Paul does would be a huge step for him. Knowing when to be a distributor and when to be a scorer will also be key in Clarkson’s development.
Thanks to his size, speed, and athleticism Clarkson has drawn comparisons to Russell Westbrook. Combining his physical attributes with some of the mental aspects and game control of Paul could be a lethal combination and could lead to Clarkson fulfilling his vast potential.
[divide]Lakers Rookie Jordan Clarkson Nears Triple-Double, Says Kobe Bryant Told Him