To the dismay of many people, Jordan Clarkson and the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged with a 4-3 record through seven games this NBA season. Two of the three losses have come in winnable games, with all three losses remaining a tight contest through three quarters.
People around the NBA didn’t expect this progression from head coach Luke Walton and the young core this quickly into the season, with the roster believing in Walton and the system he has implemented. While the Lakers’ 117-97 victory against the Golden State Warriors has been the highlight of the season thus far, another game may have been an underlying factor in the recent three-game winning streak.
The contest before that, the Lakers were wrapping up a four-game road trip in which they had lost the first three games. With the team at Philips Arena, they were geared up for a matchup against Dwight Howard and the Atlanta Hawks.
However, prior to the game, Clarkson and other players saw a news clip that gave the Lakers an unwelcoming label, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
JC said a few players saw a newsclip before Atlanta game saying that the Hawks were still in the soft part of their schedule (i.e. Lakers)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 7, 2016
The Lakers came out with a certain edge that game, especially during the second half. The team was down nine points entering the second half, but would go on to outscore them by 16 points in the second half.
Clarkson finished the contest with 16 points, on 7-for-12 shooting, with two rebounds and three assists. With the team off to a successful start, many expect the Lakers to stifle and start to lose in bulk.
However, Clarkson believes in the team and has another idea in mind:
Jordan Clarkson said he took that "soft" reference personally. He's someone who wants to prove the doubters wrong.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 7, 2016
On Sunday, the Lakers achieved yet another victory, with a 119-108 win over the Phoenix Suns. At a current record of 4-3, the Lakers have achieved victories against three teams that can potentially reach the postseason.
Clarkson, who has accepted his role thus far off the bench, has been a catalyst for the bench mob. Through their seven games, the second unit is averaging 50.6 points per game, which is the best mark in the NBA. The second place team is the Brooklyn Nets, which are averaging 44.7 points.
On the season, Clarkson is averaging 14.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals, with a 46 percent field goal percentage in 27.4 minutes per game.
The Lakers gear up for a Tuesday showdown at Staples Center, against the 1-5 Dallas Mavericks.