The Los Angeles Lakers were said to be trying to buy themselves into the second round of the draft. After selecting Julius Randle with the seventh pick, the team was determined to add another prospect in this deep draft.
— Lakers Nation Summer Sale Is Here! Get 32% Off Orders More Than $20! Use Code: #TheFuture —
Eventually the team was able to do so, purchasing the Washington Wizards’ pick at number 46 to select Missouri combo guard Jordan Clarkson according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski:
Lakers select Jordan Clarkson via Washington, sources say.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 27, 2014
Clarkson had been rising up draft boards the last couple of weeks thanks to some excellent workouts. Clarkson possesses excellent size for a point guard and was one of the best guards in the country at getting to the basket and finishing.
He has a 6’8″ wingspan which really helps him on defense and if he develops his jump shot, has a chance to contribute early for the Lakers. Many expected Clarkson to be drafted late in the first round.
With the Lakers full of holes on the roster, Clarkson has an excellent chance to make the roster as a reserve guard capable of playing numerous positions. The future of players like Jodie Meeks, Nick Young, and Xavier Henry is unknown right now and Clarkson gives the team some insurance in case they leave.
Overall, the Lakers took advantage of their cap space to buy a draft pick and add a solid young guard who will be cheap. Coupled with the pick of a power player in Julius Randle, the Lakers have definitely made a splash in this draft.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
VIDEO: Don’t Know Much About Him? Here’s Jordan Clarkson In His Phone Conference With The Media
