With three games remaining in the 2014-15 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers are headed to the NBA lottery for the second consecutive season. While this season was marred with injuries, rookie Jordan Clarkson has been one of the team’s few bright spots.
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Since becoming the starting point guard after All-Star break, Clarkson has averaged 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 31.5 minutes. With a strong rookie campaign, there has been discussions if the Lakers need to add a point guard via the draft or free agency.
With the Lakers reportedly interested in Rajon Rondo or Goran Dragic, Clarkson says he “wouldn’t have a problem” if the team decided to add another point guard this off-season according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:
“I wouldn’t have a problem with it,” Clarkson said. “We have a pretty open offense. Our offense is made for two point guards. We’ve been running Jeremy [Lin] and me together.”
While some feel Clarkson would be capable as the team’s starting point guard moving forward, he wants to be surrounded by good players regardless of position, via Bresnahan:
“You always want to be surrounded by good players. I think it would be awesome,” Clarkson said. “Or even one of the younger [draft] guys too. It’s going to help us win games.”
Heading into the off-season, the Lakers will be armed with potentially four draft picks and as much as $28 million in cap space. If the Lakers keep their top-five pick, D’Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay are two potential prospects while numerous reports suggest Rondo could be headed to the franchise to join Kobe Bryant.
If the Lakers decide to add another point guard to their roster for next season, Clarkson is capable of playing both point and shooting guard positions. After being named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month in March, Clarkson looks to finish his season on a high note as he faces a potential teammate in Rondo on Sunday.
[divide]Lakers Rookie Julius Randle Dunking, Cutting, Shooting