As the clear bright spot for the Los Angeles Lakers in an otherwise forgettable season, Jordan Clarkson knows the pressure will be on him to continue to develop this summer as the team looks to make a major improvement during the NBA off-season.
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Head coach Byron Scott has said that he wants Clarkson to study Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers and in an interview on Power 106, Clarkson said he is doing just that during the playoffs via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Jordan Clarkson also said he's not rooting for the Clippers but he's definitely watching Chris Paul & what he does in the playoffs
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 22, 2015
Paul is considered one of, if not, the best all-around point guard in the NBA today and had arguably the best season of his career. He averaged a double-double, tying for the league lead in assists per game (10.2) and shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and just under 40 percent from three-point range.
Clarkson had one of his worst showings against Paul and the Clippers late in the season, but redeemed himself in a rematch the very next game. Paul is one of the best leaders in the NBA and is excellent at changing speeds to keep defenders off-guard when trying to check him. Picking up on some of Paul’s tricks could really help Clarkson take that next step.
Clarkson will also continue working with Steve Nash this off-season as he tries to build on his impressive rookie season. Though his role may change next year as the Lakers continue to be rumored as the destination for Rajon Rondo, Clarkson will continue to put in the work to be an important piece of the Lakers’ present and future.
[divide]2015 Lakers Exit Interviews: Jordan Clarkson