After a franchise-worst 21 win season last year, much of the focus for the Los Angeles Lakers is on the future and what the team will do next season. The one bright spot from last season, however, continues to get recognized for his outstanding play.
— Have you seen the ‘Bleed Purple and Gold’ phone case? —
According to Pro Basketball Talk, Jordan Clarkson was nominated for ‘Best Rookie’ for the first ever NBPA Player’s Awards:
Best Rookie
Jordan Clarkson
Zach LaVine
Elfrid Payton
Andrew Wiggins
The chances of Clarkson winning the award would seem slim as Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins is surely the favorite to take home the award. Just the fact that Clarkson was nominated shows how much he stood out and caught the eye of players around the NBA.
Clarkson really came on down the stretch of last season, averaging 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 59 games for the Lakers. He was rewarded by being named to the All-Rookie First Team, all despite rarely playing during the first half of the season.
Not surprisingly, Clarkson was the only Lakers player nominated, though some would say Kobe Bryant should have been on the list for ‘Global Impact Player.’ Since he missed most of the season, however, it’s not too big of a snub.
The NBA Player’s Awards will take place on July 19 in Las Vegas and will be broadcast on BET on July 21. These awards are voted on strictly by the players, no media or fans, so there could be some differences in some of the closer votes such as the MVP Award.
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