Topic: We wonder what the expectations are this season for the Los Angeles Lakers two rookies, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.
Context: The Lakers have made a number of additions in this off-season, but most of the new faces are familiar to fans and have shown what they can do on the NBA level. The same can’t be said for the Lakers two rookies, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.
Randle, the bruising power forward from Kentucky, was considered one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this draft class. He has a very interesting skill set for someone of his size, and will be fighting for minutes in a loaded Lakers frontcourt consisting of Carlos Boozer, Jordan Hill, Ed Davis and Ryan Kelly.
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Clarkson was a little more unknown as a combo guard out of Missouri. At 6’5″ he brings size, length, and athleticism to the backcourt, particularly if he is playing the point guard. He was the Lakers leading scorer in the Summer League, showing off tons of potential as far as being able to get to the basket and score regularly.
These two young players could be major factors for the Lakers of the future, especially the post-Kobe era, but what should we expect from them as rookies?
Verdict: We went to Twitter to ask our loyal followers what are their expectations for Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson this season. These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation randle inconsistent but will have a few huge games. Clarkson could be a steal but opportunity depends on injuries
— Benny Pux (@pux24) September 20, 2014
@TheeCoreyH Randle if 25ish MPG 11PPG 7.3RPG 1.7APG 1BPG .6SPG 49% JClark if 15MPG 5.9PPG 2APG 1.4RPG .6SPG .2BPG 42%
— Build Greatness (@RareLyricist) September 20, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation to give it their all on the court and buy into the system
— Nick (@NBARRETT_) September 20, 2014
@TheeCoreyH just that by the end of the year they're productive members of the team & have fully understand of NBA strategy & concepts
— LAKERS (@Joe_Pa028) September 20, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation For some reason I expect a lot from Clarkson. If Randle can average close to 12-10 I would be very happy.
— Arok (@ArokGW) September 20, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation I think Clarkson is a true keeper, a steal in the 2nd round. Randle, solid but unspectacular.
— Amateurcapper (@Amateurcapper) September 20, 2014
It looks as if the performance of Clarkson in the Summer League has really gained him some fans as they really feel the second-rounder will be an excellent player with some even believing that he will be better than Randle.
I don’t know if I’m willing to go that far, but I do believe both will play important roles for this team.
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I feel like Randle will be coming off the bench for most, if not all, of this season, providing a spark alongside Nick Young and having a solid year with some spectacular moments. Something in the 9-10 point, 5-6 rebound range on 50 percent from the field is feasible to me.
Clarkson, I believe, will struggle more offensively, but will find his role on the defensive end as the best option against the young, athletic point guards. I don’t think his numbers will be great, but he will become the designated player to put on the Parkers, Westbrooks, and Currys of the world.
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